Abdoulaye Doucoure says it will be a “dream” to play in the Premier League and joining Watford is “a great opportunity for my career”.

The Rennes midfielder is posied to complete a move to Vicarage Road before the transfer window closes tonight after the two clubs agreed a Hornets club record fee in the region of £8m. But it is reported he will then move on loan for the remainder of this season, with fellow Pozzo-owned club Granada a potential destination.

Doucoure has spoken to foot-express.com about his move to the English top-flight club and in translated comments said: “It’s a club which has been following me for a while. They wanted me last summer but it didn’t happen. They came back this winter. I very quickly said yes. Next I waited for the two clubs to come back. The Premier League for me is a dream. It’s amazing and it’s a great opportunity for my career.”

He added: “Rennes was always be my first club. I’ve had some excellent years. It pinches my heart to have to go but I think I’ve done my time. Watford is a new chapter for me.”