Brentford striker Ollie Watkins remains a top January transfer target of Sheffield United as the Blades finalise their plans for the upcoming window, according to The Sheffield Star.

Chris Wilder is apparently a long-standing admirer of the Bees' marksman and is looking to bolster his striking options as he and the Blades' board finalise the details of their attack plan in January.

Watkins has been one of the Championship stand-out attacking performers so far this season, netting 12 goals in 19 second-tier appearances, laying on three assists as well.

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The pressure was ramped up on the 23-year-old during the summer transfer window after Neal Maupay was sold to Brighton and Hove Albion, leaving a huge gap in attack.

Maupay netted 25 Championship goals last season but his absence has largely gone unnoticed thanks to the performances of Watkins.

United are no strangers to bringing in the Championship's finest. In the summer they signed Oli McBurnie from Swansea City, Luke Freeman from QPR and Callum Robinson from Preston North End, so it is not a surprise to learn that Watkins remains high on their wishlist.

The verdict

It is hard to blame Sheffield United for prioritising the signing of Watkins.

He has been brilliant for Brentford this season and looks just about ready to make the step-up to the second tier. However, they must be ready to splash the cash.

Brentford will have their eyes set on winning promotion this season and they will not want those plans to be scuppered by losing their key man in January.