Watford are keen to sign Swansea City captain Matt Grimes, WalesOnline understands.
The Hornets are bracing themselves for a number of exits this summer following their relegation from the Premier League.
Everton are lining up a big-money move for Abdoulaye Doucouré, with Vladimir Ivić's men said to want around £35m for the Frenchman.
And it's understood Watford want Grimes to fill the void of Doucouré once his expected transfer to Goodison Park goes through.
Swansea are yet to receive an official bid from Watford for the midfield star, although they are braced for a formal approach from their Championship rivals.
Grimes was a key figure for Steve Cooper in the head coach's debut campaign in South Wales.
Cooper installed the central midfielder as club captain last summer, and Grimes went on to play every single minute of league action for the Swans during the 2019/20 campaign.
Grimes started Swansea's pre-season friendly against Forest Green Rovers on the bench, with Andre Ayew taking the captain's armband.
He came on for the final 20 minutes of the 2-1 win at the Liberty Stadium.
The midfielder's current contract with Swansea runs until the summer of 2022.
Such is Grimes' importance to the Swans at present, the club would be reluctant to see him leave on the cheap, particularly if Watford receive a vast sum from Everton for Doucouré.
Grimes joined Swansea from Exeter City in 2015 and had loan spells with Blackburn Rovers, Leeds United and Northampton Town before becoming an integral first-team player following the club's relegation from the top flight.
The 25-year-old has made 106 appearances in all competitions for Swansea, scoring three goals.
