Brazilian goalkeeper Neto, current understudy to Gianluigi Buffon at Juventus, appears to be edging closer to a move to Watford.

The player's representatives are currently in England, the Watford Observer understands, on the back of rising speculation in recent days that the 27-year-old goalkeeper is being sought as the Hornets' first major signing of the summer.

A new goalkeeper has already been identified by recently appointed head coach Marco Silva as a priority to offer competition to 36-year-old Heurelho Gomes, the club's player of the season in 2015.

Neto was perennial second choice in Turin, making only 10 league starts across two seasons with the Old Lady and keeping six clean sheets in the process.

He was previously first choice at Fiorentina, playing in a Coppa Italia final with the Viola in 2014.

The 6ft 3ins stopper began his career in his native Brazil with Atletico Paranaense, and played at the London Olympics in 2012 with the national side's Under-23 squad.