Watford willing to break club transfer record to land Saint-Maximin

Watford are prepared to make Nice forward Allan Saint-Maximin the most expensive player in the club’s history, claims Sky Sports.

Javi Gracia wants to bolster Watford’s offensive options this summer and has rekindled his interest in Saint-Maximin.

Watford were keen on Saint-Maximin at the start of the transfer window before switching their focus to Rennes winger Ismaila Sarr.

However, the Hornets have reverted back to Saint-Maximin due to spiralling costs involved in a deal for Sarr.

The Senegal international has been a star performer at this summer’s Africa Cup of Nations and has attracted interest from other clubs, forcing his price tag up.

Saint-Maximin’s future at Nice, meanwhile, is uncertain after falling out with head coach Patrick Vieira towards the end of last season.

Watford are willing to eclipse the £18m they paid for Andre Gray in 2017 to sign Saint-Maximin in a £25m deal.

Only one player completed more dribbles in Europe’s top five leagues than the 22-year-old last season (143).