Watford are one of five British clubs to have had bids for Mainz striker Jean-Philippe Mateta rejected, reports suggest.

According to French publication L’Équipe, a quintet of bids for the French youth international have been rebuffed by the German club, all of which are reportedly around the €20million mark.

The Hornets, alongside Newcastle United, Southampton, Everton and recently relegated Cardiff City, are believed to have approached Mainz with a view to signing the attacker.

However, the report suggests Mainz are not believed to be interested in selling the 21-year-old this summer, after only acquiring him last June, but his return of ten goals from 30 games in all competitions has turned one or two heads and a big enough bid could persuade the Bundesliga outfit to sell.

As recently as May, Mainz sporting director Rouven Schroder praised the youngster and said he was both "carefree" and had "so much potential."