Lille midfielder Thiago Maia “wants to join” us ahead of Watford, according to Le10 Sport. The French publication reports that the Hornets have matched a €20m offer from us for the Brazilian.
However, it seems his club are demanding €25m (£22.5m) for the 21-year-old, with a move before the transfer deadline this evening looking increasingly unlikely.
Lille are currently in the midst of financial troubles and are seeking to sell some of their most valuable assets, but it looks as though they are playing hardball over Maia’s valuation.
The Brazilian Under 23 international only signed from Santos for €14m last summer, and he is a regular first team player, having played 37 times in all competitions during the 2017/18 season.
While Le10 Sport have been consistent in their reporting with regards to our interest in Maia, the Chronicle have said we have “no interest” in the player. However, another source, the Evening Standard do believe we are tracking the Brazilian.