Report: Watford to sign Rennes midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure

Watford are reportedly close to signing Rennes midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure for £7m.

The 22-year-old Frenchman has been previously linked with the Hornets, while West Bromwich Albion and Napoli are also believed to be interested in the player.

According to the Daily Star, the newly-promoted side could complete the signing before today's transfer deadline at 6pm.

The newspaper also suggests that head coach Quique Flores is considering Crystal Palace captain Mile Jedinak and free agent Yoan Gourcuff as alternatives to Doucoure, should his side miss out on the France Under-21 international.

Doucoure has made 57 Ligue 1 appearances for Rennes, scoring 10 goals.