Watford are said to have agreed an £8m fee with Rennes for the services of midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure.
The 23-year-old will become the Hornets' record signing if the deal goes ahead, with a medical scheduled for this afternoon as Doucoure makes his way to London from France.
Doucoure was close to sealing a move to Quique Flores's newly-promoted side last summer but the deal broke down due to the pregnancy of his partner.
The Frenchman has scored two goals and registered two assists for the Ligue 1 outfit in 16 appearances this term.