Watford are hoping to conclude talks soon with French club Rennes over an £8m move for midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure, according to Sky sources.
The 22-year-old, a product of the Rennes youth system, is a France U21 international and was reportedly interesting Chelsea last season.
He made his Ligue 1 debut in the 2012-13 season and has gone on to make 57 first-team appearances, scoring 10 goals.
Doucoure suffered a serious knee injury the season after but produced some impressive performances on his return and was reported to be a target for Jose Mourinho in January.
Watford's interest in Doucoure comes a couple of days after boss Quique Sanchez Flores admitted he was finding it tough to fit in the 12 players he has already signed this summer.