Fiorentina are leading the race to sign Watford winger Gerard Deulofeu.

The Watford Observer understands that the 26-year-old remains optimistic about his chances of leaving the club today, with the Serie A side hopeful of concluding a deal before this evening's deadline.

A fee is not thought to have been agreed between the two sides yet, but talks are continuing positively, while Federico Chiesa's impending move to Juventus is believed to have put the Italian club in a better financial position to go forward with a deal.

Deulofeu is abroad awaiting news, after doing further rehabilitation on his knee in Andorra.

Should the move to Fiorentina not go ahead, the winger has other options in both Italy and Spain and it is understood his preference is to leave England. 

However, Premier League clubs have also expressed an interest in the player, meaning he will still have the chance to depart even if a deal is not concluded today.

English top flight sides have until the domestic transfer deadline of October 16 to complete any signings.