Watford’s protracted search for a new left-back may be nearing a conclusion after Rhoys Wiggins’ agent claimed the defender has been told he can leave Bournemouth at the right price.

Reports earlier this week that Watford had seen a third offer for the 23-year-old turned down were wide of the mark, the Watford Observer understands, but it is known the Hornets are still interested in the former Norwich City defender.

The player’s agent, Darryl Powell, told the Bournemouth Daily Echo: “Watford made an offer for him in the January transfer window but Bournemouth were chasing promotion and, understandably, were not prepared to sell him at that time.

“In all honesty, Rhoys could understand that, even though he was disappointed. At the time, Bournemouth were fighting for promotion and the players, including Rhoys, gave their all but it just didn’t happen for them.

“The summer is here now and offers are coming in for Rhoys.

“I know Charlton had a couple of bids turned down and I understand Watford have been in talks with Bournemouth.

“I’ve been told by the club that they are not looking to stand in his way. They want to get what they believe is the right compensation and then allow him to move on.”

It is thought Bournemouth are looking for a fee in the region of £300,000 to £350,000 and Cherries chairman Eddie Mitchell told the Daily Echo: “We don’t want him to go but he seems very insistent that he is looking to move.

“At this moment in time, he’s contracted to us and we want to keep him, so somebody is going to have to offer what we need.

“If he were to go, we would have to find a replacement, so it would be a sum with which we could find somebody as good or better.”

Wiggins, who is from Hillingdon, tried to force Bournemouth’s hand in March but saw his transfer request turned down. He said that “Watford is the sort of club that ticks all the right boxes for me”.