Watford joined by Serie A club in pursuit of Man Utd winger

Watford have reportedly been joined by Bologna in pursuit of Manchester United winger Facundo Pellistri. The Uruguay international is now being linked with a move to Serie A instead.

According to Corriere dello Sport (via Football Italia), the Italian outfit are ‘hoping’ to secure a loan deal for the youngster. Erik ten Hag has a big decision to make on what to do with him in this January transfer window.

Watford boss Slaven Bilic has confirmed he is interested and has told the Watford Observer: “He is a player that I like but it’s difficult to talk about players that are not our players. But we are looking to strengthen and he fits into the areas where we are looking to strengthen. Hopefully we are going to do something there.”

Pellistri, 21, was at the World Cup last month in Qatar but struggled for game time at Old Trafford. He has been on the books of the Premier League giants since 2020 after signing from Penarol. He has since played just once for the first-team and that came earlier this week in their 3-0 win over Charlton Athletic in the Carabao Cup.

The attacker has spent the past couple of campaigns out on loan with Alaves. He made 35 appearances during his time in Spain and could head out the exit door again this winter. Watford are keen but have competition for his signature.

In other news, the Hornets have bolstered their youth ranks by snapping up Ezio Touray, James Collins, Dawid Hamiga, Zak Fraser-Grante and Jordan Fankwe.