Crystal Palace are launching a bid for Brentford striker Ollie Watkins.

The Mirror says Palace are leading the chase for Watkins.

Watkins, 24, can leave for £18m in a buyout clause which is now active following the club missing out on promotion to the Premier League.

Palace were keen on Watkins last season and were close to a £10m deal but are likely to go back for the striker who scored 25 goals in the Championship.

Brentford fear losing key players this summer after losing the play-off final but are keen to keep their squad together and try for promotion next season.