Watford have been linked with a move for Atalanta goalkeeper Marco Sportiello.

The Hornets are understood to be in the market for a long-term replacement for Heurelho Gomes with the shot stopper turning 36 next month.

According to reports in Italy, Fiorentina are in pole position to sign 24-year-old Sportiello with Watford also interested in him. 

The former Italy Under-21 international has made eight starts in Serie A this season keeping two clean sheets. 

Sportiello has also not conceded in two matches during the Coppa Italia for Atalanta during this campaign.

Watford's back-up keeper Costel Pantilimon made his second start of the season for the club with Gomes unavailable due to a fever against Burton in the FA Cup last weekend.