Watford head coach Walter Mazzarri is keen on a potential move for Fiorentina striker Mauro Zarate, sources close to the club have stated.

Press reports have linked Zarate with a move to Vicarage Road as the Hornets look to strengthen an attacking unit who have scored only eight league goals between them this season.

A large proportion of the Argentine's career has been spent in Mazzarri's native Italy - where he has scored 29 league goals in 133 games for Lazio and Fiorentina.

He played against Mazzarri's Reggina, Sampdoria and Napoli sides during his time in Serie A, and the head coach is familiar with his ability and style of play - and, sources confirmed, is an admirer of the 29-year-old.

Zarate has experience playing in the Premier League with West Ham, Birmingham City and QPR, scoring six times in 25 games across his three spells.