Watford are reportedly set to renew their interest in Stevenage defender Ben Wilmot.

The Hornets failed to land the 18-year-old in January when they saw a £500,000 bid turned down by League Two Boro.

Stevenage are said to want closer to £1m for the centre-back and a number of top flight sides, including Brighton, Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal have been linked with a move.

Defence is an area of concern for Watford with injuries and a lack of form at the heart of their back line being a regular issue this season.

The desire to strengthen at the back could well prompt Watford to return for Wilmot who has represented England at Under-19 level.

The continuing interest in Wilmot led to Stevenage withdrawing him from their squad in March as it looked likely a deal to take him away from Broadhall Way would materialise.

Boro chairman Phil Wallace has already admitted he expects Wilmot to depart the club and went on record to reveal interest from the top flight earlier this month.

“We have made public our valuation and the closer we are getting to that the more likely it is that Ben will move,” he told the Stevenage website.

“We have had interest from Premier League and Championship clubs, which is not surprising when Ben is recognised by England as one of the top four centre-halves at his age level.”

Wilmot hasn’t featured for Stevenage since the start of March and has made just 15 appearances for the club this season.