Watford are close to completing a deal to sign Rennes midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure, the Watford Observer understands.

We reported yesterday that the Hornets were in talks to sign the 23-year-old after going back in for the former France Under-21 international and we understand the move is on track to reach a successful conclusion before the transfer window closes tonight for what is expected to be a new club record fee.

Watford have a long-standing interest in the player, having come close to signing him in the summer, and Doucoure’s arrival would bring the number of January signings to four following the signing of Nordin Amrabat, Costel Pantilimon and Mario Suarez. However, there remains a possibility the Golden Boys may look to strengthen their squad elsewhere before the window shuts.

Doucoure was an unused substitute during Renne’s 4-0 defeat at Bordeaux yesterday, having made a total of 18 appearances in all competitions to date for the Ligue 1 side this season.