Watford will hold talks with Gerard Deulofeu’s agent in an attempt to reach an agreement to sign the Barcelona man, reports in Spain claim.

The Catalan side are eager to cash in on a player who has slipped down the pecking order at the Camp Nou and is unlikely to feature much next season.

Barca will look to get as much value as possible from the potential deal and this could cause a stumbling block considering Deulofeu is unlikely to be short of suitors.

Watford boss Javi Gracia made his intentions to pursue a permanent deal for the winger clear before last season reached its close, but admitted a number of mitigating circumstances held the key to Deulofeu’s future.

The head coach said: “I would like him to be with us here next season, but it does not depend only on if I want him or not, it depends on the club, the player and the offers he has, so we will see.”

The 24-year-old enjoyed an impressive, albeit injury-hit, loan spell with the Hornets after joining the club in January, scoring one goal in seven outings.

Deulofeu has just one year remaining on his contract with Barca and does not expect to sign an extension with the La Liga title winners.

He refused to rule out a return to Vicarage Road when quizzed on his future at the end of the campaign just finished.

The Spanish international said: “I have said before that in the summer I will leave Barcelona.

“I do not know which team I will go to, so let’s see what happens. I have to rest and decide but of course Watford is one option.”