Watford are reportedly in talks to sign £8m-rated Rennes midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure.
Despite starting the Premier League campaign in positive fashion, with three successive draws, Hornets manager Quique Sanchez Flores is keen to strengthen his squad before the transfer window closes next week.
One of his targets is the France Under-21 international, who was once scouted by Chelsea and describes himself as a deep-lying playmaker, but it will take a big fee to prise him away from the French side.
Doucoure made 41 appearances in all competitions for the Ligue 1 outfit last term, scoring five goals and providing six assists.