Brentford's lengthy pursuit of Ollie Watkins helped convince him to make the move to Griffin Park.

Leeds, Aston Villa, Nottingham Forest had all expressed an interest in the Exeter striker but the 21-year-old felt west London was the best move for his career.

And the fact that the Bees had tracked his progress for over a year played a large part in the deal going through.

“That was a big part of it. The manager has shown an interest in me for a long time. It's nice to feel wanted,” he told GetWestLondon.

“I've always known the club has been interested in me. It feels like it's been a very long time and I'm delighted to get it over the line and I can't wait to see what we can achieve this year.

Through the door: Ollie Watkins is a Bee

“It says it all when they made an approach and kept an interest in me for a year, year and half so that says it all for me.”

The forward has joined in his first training sessions and he has been enjoying it so far.

“It's been good. I've been settling in and all the lads have made me feel welcome. Training has been intense and sharp and it's just what I need,” he added.

“I see the Championship as very patient and then when it gets to the final third there's not much room. I need to be creative where I don't have much time and bring something to the team.”

Watkins' signing has left Brentford fan Josh Mahoney out of pocket after he promised anyone who liked his tweet a drink if the deal actually went through.

He added, smiling: “I saw that. I got tagged in it. It's a bit of a laugh. I saw how many replies it got so I think he's going to be a bit broke this month.”