Watford FC interested in forward who Sunderland nearly signed - But they face transfer hurdle | OneFootball

Watford are interested in former Sunderland transfer target Alexandre Mendy, but they'll have to beat Montpellier to the SM Caen forward

Watford have made contact over a potential move for SM Caen frontman Alexandre Mendy, who appears poised to depart the French side after their relegation to the semi-professional National 1 tier from Ligue 2 in the 2024/25 campaign.

According to a recent report from French outlet Foot Mercato, Watford have contacted Mendy's entourage in a bid to complete a deal but will face competition from Montpellier.

The Hornets have made three signings to date under Paulo Pezzolano after parting ways with Tom Cleverley following last season's mid-table finish, with the Uruguayan boss bringing in Hector Kyprianou, Nathan Baxter and ex-Middlesbrough defender Marc Bola.

However, they are yet to bolster the top-end of the pitch, which will likely become a priority at Vicarage Road given that Watford managed just 53 goals from 46 matches throughout the entirety of last term's Championship campaign.

Watford are already reportedly closing in on the signing of 20-year-old Udinese striker Vivaldo Semedo, who scored nine goals last season while on loan with Portuguese outfit Vizela.

Watford FC interested in SM Caen's Alexandre Mendy

As per the aforementioned report, Watford are testing the waters over a move for Mendy by making contact with the 31-year-old forward's entourage.

But it doesn't look like Watford are currently the front-runners to acquire Mendy's signature, with the report detailing stronger interest from freshly-relegated Ligue 2 side Montpellier.

It's said that Montpellier have intensified their efforts to sign Mendy, and while no agreement has yet been reached between the two clubs, discussions are progressing positively.

Mendy, who is under contract with Caen until next summer, scored 11 goals last season but was unable to prevent their relegation from Ligue 2 for the first time in 40 years - which came in Real Madrid and France superstar Kylian Mbappe's first campaign as co-owner after purchasing a majority stake in the club less than twelve months ago.

The experienced forward has been prolific ever since his move to Caen from Bordeaux in October 2020, and he is the French side's all-time leading goalscorer with 76 strikes from 175 appearances.

Watford FC target Alexandre Mendy was in Sunderland transfer saga last summer

Some will remember that Mendy was the subject of strong interest from Sunderland, who tabled multiple unsuccessful bids for the 5-cap Guinea-Bissau international last summer.

Caen's new owners blocked a move for Mendy despite both the player and his agent pushing for a move to the Stadium of Light.

Indeed, the striker admitted after the conclusion of the summer transfer window that he still had not recovered from being denied a move to Sunderland, which he was all-too-keen to complete, and he instead endured an unhappy campaign with Caen as they suffered relegation out of Ligue 2.

Their relegation means a belated departure this summer is more likely, although whether that's to Watford or Montpellier remains to be seen.