Paco Alcacer is not close to agreeing a loan switch to Watford from Barcelona, the Watford Observer understands.

We reported a short time ago that the forward was moving closer to agreeing a temporary switch to Vicarage Road.

However, we have since been told this is not the case and the Hornets have no interest in signing the player.

Barcelona had been keen to offload Alcacer, who has six goals in 13 outings for Spain, permanently but a near €30 million asking price put potential suitors off.

Alcacer’s desire for first team football has informed his decision to leave the Camp Nou where he is unlikely to feature.

The 24-year-old has 15 goals in 50 outings since his arrival at the Catalan club in 2016 – a return which can be looked on favourably when the number of substitute appearances he has made is taken into account.