Watford have reportedly made an offer for Lille midfielder Sofiane Boufal.

Reports have claimed a bid in the region of £16m has been agreed with the French club and the player has accepted a contract offer.

But it is our understanding the Hornets are one of a number of clubs chasing Boufal and a deal is a long way from being completed. 

Watford are keen on the attacking midfielder and have made an ambitious move for the Morocco international.

But clubs such as Tottenham, Arsenal and Chelsea have shown an interest in the 22-year-old and are likely to have more pulling power. 

Boufal, who scored 11 goals in Ligue 1 last season, is currently sidelined following a knee operation and will not be fit until September. But this is unlikely to deter clubs from attempting to sign him.

The attacking midfielder told L'Equipe: "I don't think this injury will have any influence on my future.

"It's an injury that unfortunately strikes a lot of players and it's not an injury that can complicate my career in the short or medium term.

"My return date is foreseen in September and, at worst, I can eventually miss a maximum of three weeks of competition depending on the league I'm playing in. It's not huge."