Watford transfer news: Hornets edging closer to signing Benfica winger Andre Carrillo on loan
Hornets boss Marco Silva worked with the Newcastle and Palace target at Sporting Lisbon and wants to bring him to Vicarage Road
WATFORD are close to finalising a season-loan loan deal for Benfica winger Andre Carillo, according to reports.
The 26-year-old has attracted attention from several clubs in England including Newcastle and Crystal Palace, but it appears the Hornets are leading the chase.
Silva, who took over as Watford boss in May, worked with the Peru international while the pair were at Sporting Lisbon during the 2014/15 season and wants a reunion.
The Mirror claims that the Hornets would also look for an option to make the transfer permanent next summer.
The Lisbon outfit won the Portuguese Cup before Silva left to take charge of Greek side Olympiacos.
The wideman, who joined Benfica from Sporting Lisbon last summer on a free transfer, scored three goals for the club last season.
He was also part of the Benfica squad that completed the Portuguese league-cup double.
Carrillo has also scored twice for Peru in 34 international games.
He remains part of the Benfica first-team squad, but is currently recovering from a knee injury, which meant he missed their opening day victory over Braga.
Silva has already bolstered his attack with Burnley frontman Andre Gray and Brazilian prodigy Richarlison.
The Portuguese boss has also nabbed Nathaniel Chalobah from Chelsea, Tom Cleverley from Everton, Jorge Segura from Envigado, Will Hughes from Derby, Kiko Femenia from Alaves and Daniel Bachmann from Stoke this summer.
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The former Hull coach is determined to prevent a repeat of last season, when Walter Mazzarri’s side finished 17th after losing their last six games.
Silva knows he will need to improve his squad with the Premier League’s clubs set to spend more money than ever this summer.