The Hornets are on the verge of signing Lithuania goalkeeper Giedrius Arlauskis, the Watford Observer understands.

The Golden Boys have been long-term admirers of the Steaua Bucharest goalkeeper and at the weekend we were told a deal has already been agreed for the player who is out of contract this summer.

Romanian newspaper Gazetei Sporturilor has also reported that Arlauskis has signed a contract with Watford.

We understand Arlauskis would be signed as competition for Heurelho Gomes as the Hornets do want their current number one to remain after a superb debut campaign at Vicarage Road.

The Pozzo family, that between Gino and his father Gianpaolo own Watford, Udinese and Granada, expressed an interest in Arlauskis several months ago and there were incorrect reports at the time that the Lithuania international would link up with the Hornets for the remainder of the campaign.

At the weekend Arlauskis' agent claimed he was in talks with several teams and there were "major teams" in Western and Eastern Europe, although he did expect a decision to be made "soon".

The 27-year-old has played 18 times for Lithuania and the last appearance came against England in March, when he made several good saves despite the Three Lions putting four past him.

He started his career at FK Mastis Telsiai and had spells at Siauliai and Unirea Urziceni before joining Rubin Kazan in 2010.

Arlauskis was second choice at Rubin Kazan and only made 16 outings in four years at the club before joining Steaua last summer on a one-year contract.

He has excelled since and made 40 appearances in all competitions, which included Champions League qualifiers and Europa League matches.