Watford are turning their attention to Didier Ndong to fill their desire to bring in a defensive midfielder, having decided a move for Leander Dendoncker will prove too pricey.

French outlets have stated the Hornets have already wrapped up a loan, with an option to buy, for the 23-year-old who joined Sunderland from Lorient for more than £13 million only 18 months ago.

Watford are working to bring him to Vicarage Road and negotiations are firmly underway for the Gabon international, but a half-season loan move is not set in stone.

Ndong has fallen out of favour under Simon Grayson and latterly his replacement Chris Coleman at the Stadium of Light, but was considered one of their brightest stars in an otherwise uninspiring relegation season last year and is regarded to have significant potential.

He has barely played for the club since the start of November and is currently serving a three-match suspension for being sent off in his last match, a 4-0 defeat to Cardiff City earlier this month.