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This article is part of Football FanCast's The Chalkboard series, which provides a tactical insight into teams, players, managers, potential signings and more...

Back in the summer, Crystal Palace attempted to lure Brentford hitman Ollie Watkins to Selhurst Park, reportedly tabling an £11m bid for the Englishman.

Unfortunately for the Eagles, they saw their offer rebuffed.

The south Londoners may live to regret not pushing harder for the 23-year-old, as two factors since their failed bid will surely have seen Watkins' value soar.

Firstly, the man with 27 goals in 100 appearances for the Bees has since signed a new long-term contract with the Championship side, taking his stay at Griffin Park to 2023.

As a result of that, Watkins' value will surely have risen from the £11m that Palace seemed to value him at - that offer alone could be considered insulting seeing as Brentford reportedly demanded £15m back in 2018.

Another reason as to why the long-term Palace target may now command a much higher fee is his excellent start to the campaign.

Watkins has hit four goals in just seven Championship appearances so far this term, proving to be the shining light in Brentford's poor start to the season - the Bees currently sit 18th having won just two games.

The 5 foot 11 forward averages 2.7 shots per game, while also making 1.7 key passes per game - his overall form has been very good in a poor Brentford side.

Watkins also draws 1.6 fouls per game - you can see why he's on the Eagles' radar.

However, it's no good having a player on your radar if you don't strike when the time is right.

Palace missed an opportunity back in 2018 to match Brentford's £15m asking price and also failed to up their £11m offer despite reports stating that they were expected to make a second offer.

If the south Londoners were hoping to land their man for a similar fee, or even a cheaper price, they may now find themselves disappointed - they should've pushed harder before he signed a new deal and began the campaign in such fine form.