Watford are still working with Barcelona to try and secure a two-year loan deal for forward Paco Alcacer, reports claim.

The Hornets are understood to be in the market for a striker before the transfer window closes on Thursday as they look to supplement Troy Deeney, Andre Gray and Stefano Okaka with more attacking options.

At 24, Alcacer is in need of regular football and is unlikely to be awarded such opportunities at the Nou Camp having played just eight times last season.

Barca are said to be eager to offload a player who is well down their attacking pecking order and Watford are among a number of sides rumoured to be interested in Alcacer’s services.

Southampton are also in the market for a forward and could make a late swoop to sign Alcacer in a permanent deal.

Watford favour a loan switch which would see them sign Alcacer, who has scored 15 goals in 50 games for Barcelona, permanently upon its completion.