Fulham are locked in talks with Watford over a potential deal to bring Nathaniel Chalobah to Craven Cottage, according to Peter Rutzler at the Athletic.

The former England international has been heavily linked with a departure from Vicarage Road this summer as he has just a year to run on his current contract and talks over a new deal have stalled. Marco Silva signed Chalobah in 2017 when he was Watford boss and has maintained an interest in the 26 year-old ever since – it is understood the former Chelsea man was on his list of targets when he succeeded Scott Parker earlier this summer.

Fulham are looking to add midfield depth in the closing hours of the transfer window after Andre Frank Zambo Anguissa joined Napoli on loan and with injury doubts still persisting over Harrison Reed, who returned to action as a substitute against Stoke on Saturday and skipper Tom Cairney, who is still sidelined by persistent knee problems.

Rutzler’s report describes the talks between the two clubs as ‘positive’ with both sides confident of reaching an agreement ahead of tonight’s deadline. The Athletic also suggests that Fulham are interested in taking the Hornets’ attacking midfielder Domingos Quina on loan.