This article is part of Football League World's 'The Verdict' series, which provides personal opinions from the FLW writers regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more...

Brentford may have had a mixed start to the season, but that has not stopped clubs taking an interest in their 23-year-old striker Ollie Watkins, who has scored seven goals in 11 Championship appearances and who is already on the January wish-list of Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder, according to a report in The Sun.

Watkins is a product of the Exeter City academy and broke into the first team there, going onto score 21 goals in 68 appearances before a move to Griffin Park in 2017.

But what value can be put on Watkins amid interest from the Premier League?

We discuss.........

George Harbey

"It's a really tough question that is bound to divide every single Brentford fan if you ask them.

"Watkins is a magnificent player who still has so many years left ahead of him, and he can play anywhere across the front-line whether that's up top or out wide.

"His importance to the Bees is invaluable, and having just signed a new deal at Griffin Park, they would have to be demanding £20m at least.

"He's on course to score so many goals this season, and when you see what Che Adams and Neal Maupay went for, it's not unrealistic."

Josh Cole

“Given that Neal Maupay left Brentford for a significant fee this summer, there is every chance that they could get at least £20m for Watkins if they were to sell him.

“Following a superb 2018/19 campaign which saw the forward produce 21 goal contributions in all competitions, Watkins has taken his game to new heights in recent months.

“Having already scored seven goals this season for Brentford, the 23-year-old will be determined to help his side push on following the international break.

“Therefore, if the Bees are to achieve a relative amount of success in the Championship this season, they cannot afford to let Watkins depart in the January transfer window.”

Ben Lang

'Watkins' value has already increased since the summer given his strong goal-scoring record in the Championship so far, in addition to the fact he has just signed a long-term deal.

"Premier League clubs would probably have to pay around £12million for his services currently, but I can't see him moving on until the end of the season as he was not exactly pushing for a move away over the summer.

"The 23-year-old is clearly enjoying life as one of the leading men at Brentford this season and I would expect him to continue leading the line until May, during which time his value could increase even more.

"He is developing into a well-rounded forward with pace, trickery and a keen eye for goal. It will not be cheap to lure him away from the Bees."

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