Chelsea are monitoring the progress of Brentford striker Ollie Watkins, a report from the Daily Star has claimed.

Watkins has been in outstanding form for Brentford this season in a centre forward role, scoring 18 goals in 28 Championship appearances this season, a tally only matched by Fulham's Aleksandar Mitrovic.

It now seems as though that has caught the attention of those at Stamford Bridge, with the latest reports claiming that Chelsea have started to take an interest in Watkins.

It is thought that Chelsea are keen to add some fresh goalscoring support for Tammy Abraham upfront, and have identified Watkins as a potential long-term target to fulfil that role.

There are currently three-and-a-half years remaining on Watkins contract with Brentford, with the striker having only signed a new long-term deal last summer, which is set to keep him at the club until the summer of 2023.

Brentford have enjoyed a hugely impressive season so far, and currently sit fifth in the Championship standings, five points adrift of the play-off places.

The Verdict

This could be a useful signing for Chelsea.

Watkins has been hugely impressive for Brentford this season, with his impact since moving into that central role in the Bees' attack suggesting he is capable of adapting to changes in his situation.

That therefore implies that Watkins may be capable of making the step up to Chelsea, with the opportunity to make a move to such a club surely tempting for the striker.

Even so, with the amount of time there is remaining on Watkins' contract, and his importance to Brentford, you feel the Bees will not be willing to let him go easily any time soon, meaning Chelsea may well need a big offer if they are to secure this signing.