The agent of goalkeeper Alex Meret believes a move to Watford is not out of the question for the 20-year-old Italian.

Meret is currently plying his trade on loan at SPAL, but it is his ties with parent club Udinese, who are owned by the Pozzo family, which adds fuel to the fire of a potential move to Watford.

That is the assertion of his agent anyway, with Federico Pastorello claiming he sees his client, who has just recovered from a six month injury lay-off, remaining at a Pozzo club.

“It’s amazing how he’s come back after missing the last six months. He’s got an extraordinary future ahead of him. If you look at the time missed this year, he’ll have to be a regular next year somewhere,” he told Tuttosport.

“Given that he is owned by Udinese, I see him playing for a team owned by Pozzo. That means Udinese or, at most, Watford.”

Heurelho Gomes remains a reliable number one at Watford but his advancing years – he is 37 this month – mean Watford can hardly rely on the Brazilian as a long-term option in goal.

Orestis Karnezis has deputised for Gomes, who is suffering with a back injury, in recent weeks and the Hornets also signed Pontus Dahlberg on a long-term deal in January.

The Swede was immediately loaned back to IFK Gothenburg for the remainder of the season and Watford also have Daniel Bachman among their goalkeeping options.