Brentford remain in the race to sign Exeter hotshot Ollie Watkins and are primed to make the first move, according to reports.

The Bees were eyeing the young forward last summer but failed to reach a deal with the Grecians in the past two transfer windows.

The 21-year-old scored 16 goals last season to help the Devon side reach the League Two play-off final only fall short against Blackpool at Wembley.

Watkins was named as the EFL's young player of the season in the fourth tier and has been linked with the likes of Leeds, Aston Villa, Reading and Bristol City.

Big future: Ollie Watkins (L)

Brentford, though, have been long-time admirers and Grecians boss Paul Tisdale confirmed as much last year.

He told the Exeter Express and Echo in July 2016: "The only thing I'd say on that is that there's somehow awareness that Brentford are interested but I can assure you that there's plenty of other clubs.

"Like with all these things, for any player to move there needs to be three parties happy with the deal – the buying party, the selling party and the player himself.”

Dean Smith spoke with GetWestLondon last week about Brentford's striker search and this can be seen by clicking the link below.