According to an emerging report from Squawka, Watford have made a shock bid for Southampton target Sofiane Boufal.

The Lille star has had plenty of interest taken in him this summer and he’s one of Europe’s hottest prospects.

The Moroccan can play on either flank or through the middle, making him an excellent attacking outlet for any team, as well as his incredible wealth of technical ability.

Watford are reported to have made a £16.7 million bid for Boufal; a sum that is well within the region that Saints would be able to match and maybe even better if their interest in Boufal is concrete.

Saints will not want to miss out on a player of Boufal’s qualities, given how much he has been linked with Southampton in recent months.

The lure of European football at St Mary’s could be the pulling point for Boufal in offer came in from Saints and it was a choice between Claude Puel’s men or Watford.

However, given that a concrete offer has reportedly been made from The Hornets, it’s looking as though they have emerged as front runners for the Morocco star’s signature next season.

The 22-year-old scored an impressive 12 goals for Lille in his breakthrough season last term.