Watford in pole position as transfer lined up for seven-cap USA international | OneFootball

Watford are poised to make an approach for USA international left-back George Bello, according to Football Insider.

The Hornets are in the midst of an injury crisis and are looking at a number of positions to bolster in the January transfer window, with left-back being one of them.

James Morris filled in against Norwich City in Hassan Kamara’s absence, with that area of the pitch being one that Slaven Bilic lacks depth in.

And that could be solved with the potential recruitment of Bello, who plies his trade in the second tier of German football with Arminia Bielefeld.

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The American youngster, who has seven caps for his country but did not go to the FIFA World Cup, played 10 times in the Bundesliga for Bielefield last season before they were relegated, having made the move from Atlanta United in the MLS.

Football Insider claim that Bello will be available for as little as £1.5 million, but other Championship clubs are said to be also sniffing around his signature, having played 12 times at club level in league action this season so far.

The Verdict

Left-back is quite clearly an area of the pitch that Watford are weak in, so Bello would be a good signing – regardless of his lack of starts for Bielefeld.

This potential move appears to be new technical director Ben Manga stamping his authority – his knowledge of the German game, along with new scouting chief Helena Costa, who both arrived from Frankfurt, will mean that they will both know if Bello fits the bill.

He has a decent amount of experience for such a young age, both at club and international level, and whilst he may not be good enough to slot straight into the starting 11 ahead of Hassane Kamara when he’s fit, he could be a good understudy.

Watford may have to move quick though if it is true that other Championship clubs are keen, but they should have enough clout to get a deal done.