A new number-one goalkeeper is the main priority for Hornets head coach Marco Silva ahead of his first season with the club.

The 39-year-old head coach is understood to be closing in on a new first choice stopper, but will retain the services of Heurelho Gomes as back-up.

The Brazilian goalkeeper, who won the Players' Player of the Year award last season, is now 36 and Watford owner Gino Pozzo has been of the view for at least a season that his spell as a mainstay between the Hornets' sticks was coming to an end.

Costel Pantilimon, unfancied by previous head coach Walter Mazzarri, has neither taken the favour of Silva, and will likely depart the club before the start of next season.