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Brentford have won the race to sign Exeter's highly rated forward Ollie Watkins.

The talented 21-year-old had been linked with a host of Championship clubs, including Leeds, Aston Villa, Bristol City and Reading.

But the Bees stole a march on the quartet and have, reportedly, been able to agree a deal with the Grecians to bring Watkins to Griffin Park.

Dean Smith and co have been long-time fans of Watkins, who was not visible in the Devon side's annual team photo yesterday, and, much like Neal Maupay, the knowledge of how the forward fits into Brentford's team played a part in the deal.

The deal will be the club's fifth signing of the summer, after Maupay, goalkeeper Luke Daniels, defender Henrik Dalsgaard and midfielder Kamohelo Mokotjo.

If it goes through quickly enough then the forward could make his Brentford debut against Oxford United on Wednesday evening.

Watkins scored 16 times in 52 appearances as Exeter were beaten in the League Two play-off final.