Watford are interested in boosting their defensive ranks with the signing of Cardiff's Joe Bennett, according to Sky Sports.

Bennett has one year left on his Bluebirds contract and has been a regular in the starting XI this season - starting three of their four Championship matches.

The 30-year-old, who moved to the South Wales outfit from Aston Villa in the summer of 2015, suffered an injury during Cardiff's last match before the international break, but it isn't thought to be serious.

Watford have already sold left-backs Jose Holebas and Pervis Estupinan earlier in the window, but are acting quickly in trying to sign a replacement.

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Centre-back Ben Wilmot has covered in all four of Watford's Championship matches this season, but boss Vladimir Ivic appears persistent on signing a recognised left-back - with Leeds' Barry Douglas also linked with a move to Vicarage Road in recent weeks.

But nothing has materialised with Leeds, and therefore, Ivic is solely focusing on Bennett, who he'll hope will be confirmed before Friday's 5pm deadline.

The Verdict

Given that Watford look to have missed out on signing Douglas, Bennett is an extremely good alternative.

He's been one of the outstanding Championship full-backs during his four seasons at the Cardiff City Stadium and has started almost every match when fit and available.

Watford will want to bounce back to the Premier League at the first time and Bennett represents a huge step in the right direction in terms of getting out of the division.