Watford are said to be one of a plethora of clubs that are eyeing a move for Nimes midfielder Matteo Ahlinvi, with French Publication Foot Mercato claiming that the club's scouts have been watching the player regularly. 

Still aged only 21, Ahlinvi has been something of a regular for the Ligue 1 side this term and has reportedly attracted interest in his services from sides across Europe such as Stuttgart in Germany and Young Boys in Switzerland.

The defensive midfielder's current contract is said to be up at the end of the current season, however the French outfit are said to hold an option of extending the deal by one year, which could pour cold water on a potential departure for the Arcachon born player.

However in the meantime, the player's representatives, Benny Madi and Julien Tournut, were keen to stress that the player is fully focused on his performances for Nimes and nothing else for the time being:

“Matteo is very appreciated by the club hierarchy and has the confidence of the coach.

“He is currently focused on the goals he set at the start of the season. 

“We will soon make an appointment with the club to discuss his future.”

Quiz: Have any of these 22 players ever been in Watford’s academy?

Since joining the club back in the summer of 2019, Ahlinvi has made nine senior appearances for Les Crocodiles.

The Verdict 

This would be an intriguing yet hardly unsurprising move for Watford to undertake as the Hornets have previously brought in players from Ligue 1 in years gone by, perhaps suggesting that it is one of their main hotbeds for potential signings.

Ahlinvi clearly has a reputation that is blossoming all the time and would no doubt benefit from making a move to a more competitive league further down the line in his career.

With Etienne Capoue still linked with a departure from Vicarage Road and James Garner set to return to Manchester United once his loan spell is up with the Hornets, they could well do with an extra body in that area of the squad.

Only time will tell if Watford firm up their interest, with Xisco Munoz sure to be finalising his transfer plans after only taking on the job just a few days ago.