Thomas Heurtaux has become the first Udinese player to be linked with a move to Watford since their promotion to the Premier League, with reports claiming the Hornets are the “likely destination” for the French defender.

According to Tuttomercatoweb.com, the 26-year-old has been the subject of a recent bid from Lyon but this was rejected by the fellow Pozzo-owned club.

The centre-half joined Udinese from SM Caen in 2012 and has made 25 appearances in Serie A this season, scoring once.

Born in Lisieux, Heurtaux has won three French Under-20 caps and is contracted to the Little Zebras untilo 2017.