Leeds United have been taking progressive steps under the refreshing tutelage of Garry Monk in the Championship as the Peacocks are a genuine contender for the playoff berth. After 37 league outings, the Peacocks are placed 4th on the league table with 66 points as the season enters its concluding stages.
The intriguing aspect of Leeds United this season has been the resilience and mettle shown by their defenders and the way Chris Wood has almost singlehandedly catered to the poacher’s requirements of the club up front. One of the few mistakes Monk has committed during his tenure at the Elland Road is his failure to lure a noteworthy striker under his command to lessen the burden of the New Zealand international and without a shadow of a doubt, their strike force has thoroughly relied on Wood.
Monk hasn’t had a word with respect to his contract extension, which expires in the summer, although it is likely that he would stay with the Whites next season as well. Considering that, alongside the perception that a promotion is a gettable target, the former Swansea City manager knows that he needs to start doing his research to get a decent backup for Wood and apparently, he has made a shrewd choice.
Reportedly, Exeter City’s hitman Ollie Watkins is believed to be on the radar of Monk as a prospective summer transfer window signing. The 21-year-old has banged in 14 goals in 39 appearances across all competitions for the Grecians and has emerged as one of the hottest properties in English football. Monk is unarguably building a core team for himself to bring that swagger back to Leeds United’s ranks once again, and Watkins definitely is worth targeting.
The Englishman is quick, sharp and runs at defenders as he backs himself to outrun them or trick them with his clever and decisive movements. His finishing is clinical and his shooting prowess is quite commendable, considering his raw age. Moreover, he has matured as the days have progressed and should be personally very keen to make a move to a club with much-renowned stature.
As a promising young candidate, Watkins should provide a healthy competition to Woods for a place in the starting line-up, should the deal materialise. There is no denying the fact that Monk is going to dig deep to get his man and the Exeter City forward should be an ideal choice to pounce upon.
