West Ham target summer move for Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins

West Ham’s search for a new striker has led to David Moyes identifying Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins as a key target this summer.

Moyes is desperate to add more quality to his attack and the Scot is interested in Watkins, who has impressed since leaving Brentford for £28m two years ago. West Ham have explored the possibility of signing the England international and could decide to test Villa’s resolve by bidding for the 26-year-old, who has scored 11 goals for club and country this season.

There has been talk that Steven Gerrard could be prepared to sell Watkins, although it is likely Villa would demand at least £50m for the forward. Watkins has made huge strides since moving to Villa Park and has a good chance of being included in England’s squad for the World Cup later this year.

It is easy to see why Watkins appeals to Moyes. The former Brentford striker is a mobile, energetic presence in attack and would appear to suit West Ham’s style of play. West Ham usually operate with a lone striker and need someone who can occupy opposition defences on their own.

Michail Antonio has performed that job admirably but Moyes is acutely aware of the need to provide the 32-year-old striker with more competition. Antonio, who is West Ham’s only senior striker, has only scored four goals in 2022 and has looked weary in recent months.

West Ham, who hope to bounce back from the disappointment of their Europa League semi-final defeat to Eintracht Frankfurt by snatching sixth place from Manchester United, have other attacking targets.

The east Londoners have not given up their slim hopes of signing Benfica’s Darwin Núñez, who is expected to join an elite European club, and could move for Armando Broja after the Chelsea forward’s loan at