Brazilian youngster Richarlison is close to a move to Watford, according to reports in his home country, after turning down an approach from Eredivisie side Ajax.

The striker, who has 10 caps for Brazil Under-20s, turned 20 in May and has scored 17 times in 41 starts for top-flight side Fluminense.

Touted with a transfer to Premier League champions Chelsea earlier this month, it was instead Ajax who were close to bringing him to the Netherlands before the forward pulled out of negotiations over the weekend.

Now he is expected to sign for Watford by the end of the week for an eight-figure sum, although reports in Brazil state the deal has been held up by a death in the family of the Fluminense manager.

Richarlison will find difficulty in earning a work permit from the British Government, having yet to make his international debut and falling foul of the criteria set out by the Football Association for up-and-coming talent.

The Hornets could then choose to loan him out to a European club to gain EU membership, although this would take at least two years.