The Hornets are not pursuing a move for French international Yoann Gourcuff, the Watford Observer understands.

Reports in France yesterday stated the Golden Boys were planning to complete a deal for the 29-year-old who is available on a free transfer after leaving Lyon at the end of the previous season.

However, we have been told Watford are not attempting to bring the midfielder - who was once anointed the successor to Zinedine Zidane in the French national team by newspaper L’Équipe - to Vicarage Road.

Gourcuff has been linked with moves to Arsenal, Manchester United and Liverpool in the past but in 2010 left Bordeaux for Lyon in a €22 million move. It remains the most expensive transfer between French sides.

His five-year spell with the club was continuously hindered by injury. The most notable of which was when he sprained his ankle whilst walking his dog.