Quique Sanchez Flores is seemingly moving closer to his third signing of this January transfer window, with reports from Italy suggesting that Watford are now very close to securing the signature of Fiorentina's Spanish midfielder Mario Suarez.
Flores has been busy already in 2016, moving to purchase Malaga's Nordin Amrabat for £6.1m and also goalkeeper Costel Pantilimon from Sunderland for an undisclosed fee. Now, it looks as if Flores has managed to secure further reinforcements for the Hornets, with Suarez reportedly agreeing personal terms.
Ongoing interest
The transfer is far from a surprise; rumours of Watford's attention towards the 28-year-old have been reported for months, and indeed Flores had the journalists' tongues wagging once more when he spoke to the press post-game after Watford's important 2-1 victory over Newcastle United on Saturday night.
When asked about the potential for other players arriving at Vicarage Road before the window shuts, Flores immediately said that Watford were looking at "incorporating one more player". He then described the arrival of a "central midfielder" as a "possibility" - with attention understandably instantly turning towards Suarez.
Watford have impressed this season, but their victory over Newcastle has been seen as vital from their manager and a number of key players after it stopped a run of four consecutive Premier League defeats. Flores has confessed to a tiredness in the side of late - after a busy festive period - and has moved in the New Year to bring reinforcements to the squad.
Buying wisely?
Suarez is another potentially great buy for Flores, after reports have suggested that Watford could land the ex-Atletico Madrid player for as little as €3m - even after he cost the Serie A side €15m in the summer. Discussions for the exact fee are ongoing, but as soon as these are completed the announcement will arrive.
The Spaniard has failed to impress since his arrival at Fiorentina, playing just a handful of games and failing to star at all in recent weeks. Reports suggest a breakdown in the relationship between Suarez and manager Paulo Sousa, and Flores' familiarity with the player - from his time at Atletico - might be a valuable tipping point in the club's favour.
Watford will hope to secure Suarez before the window shuts next week, as they focus on kicking forward and continuing their excellent Premier League campaign.
