Lille midfielder Thiago Maia has been offered to Watford, reports claim.

The 21-year-old has been a regular in the Lille starting XI since sealing an £11 million switch to the French outfit from Santos just a year ago, playing 36 times in 2017/18.

Both West Ham United and Newcastle United have been linked with an approach and Lille are said to be asking for £17.5m for the Brazilian.

A defensive midfielder, Maia could provide a further option in an area where Watford are well stocked for players, with Abdoulaye Doucoure, Nathaniel Chalobah, Etienne Capoue, Will Hughes and Tom Cleverley already on the club’s books.

However, injury to Cleverley and Chalobah’s ongoing efforts to return to full fitness means extra numbers may be needed in the heart of midfield.