Udinese midfielder Rodrigo de Paul is reportedly not a Leeds United target this summer, which looks a boost to Watford's hopes of signing him. 

The Argentine playmaker has had a brilliant 2020/21 campaign – scoring nine times and adding 11 assists for the Serie A outfit.

Watford have been linked with a move for de Paul, with The Athletic indicating that the Pozzo family's ownership of Udinese could see him move to Vicarage Road.

Leeds have also been touted with an interest, however, David Anderson from The Mirror has now reported that the 27-year-old is not a target for the Whites this summer.

It is understood that they made an enquiry last summer but Udinese's asking price was too high, so the Yorkshire club turned their attention elsewhere.

That would seem to boost Watford's hopes of signing the attacking midfielder ahead of their return to the Premier League move.

However, there is also interest from across Europe with a report from Tutto Atalanta indicating that there had been contact from "almost all the most famous teams" in Italy and that there was no shortage of sides keen in La Liga.

The Verdict

Signing de Paul looks as though it would be an absolute coup for Watford and this update ruling Leeds out of signing him this summer is certainly a big boost to their hopes.

If the Udinese playmaker is keen on a move to the Premier League then the Hornets are certainly an option – particularly given both clubs' links to the Pozzo family.

Given the reported interest from across Europe, you'd have to feel that they'd have to lean on the Pozzo family's influence to get any deal done.

If they could get it done, however, it could be massive for their hopes of staying up next season.