Watford are reportedly keen to sign Manchester United attacker Facundo Pellistri on loan for the remainder of the season in order to boost their Championship promotion hopes.
The Hornets are currently fourth in the second tier, boasting 40 points from their opening 26 matches, but they are only one point ahead of seventh-placed Luton Town.
Watford boss Slaven Bilic is said to be determined to bring in attacking reinforcements this month, and according to The Telegraph, Pellistri has been identified as a target.
The Uruguay international joined the Red Devils from Penarol in October 2020, but he had to wait until Tuesday night to make his first-team debut for the club.
Pellistri was introduced as a late substitute against Charlton Athletic in the EFL Cup, and he provided an assist for Marcus Rashford during an impressive cameo.
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Speaking after Man United's 3-0 win over Charlton, the club's head coach Erik ten Hag hailed Pellistri for his contribution and insisted that the 21-year-old has "a future" at Old Trafford.
"I see a future in him. He is doing really well and we have to see what is the best [for him]. He is progressing. Against Everton [in a behind-closed doors friendly], I was really happy with his performance," Ten Hag told reporters.
"I was happy with his performance at the World Cup, so his progress is really good and now he is coming on and has an effect. So that's the next step that I say: 'well done Pelli, keep going'.
"I mentioned already Pellistri came on and it was a debut. It was not long but he was really lively, some good actions and also the assist on the second goal."
However, there has been widespread speculation surrounding his future, with a number of clubs thought to be interested in his signature.
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Pellistri, who represented Uruguay on three occasions at the 2022 World Cup, has had two separate spells on loan at Alaves during his time at Man United.
The forward made 35 appearances for the Spanish outfit in total, representing the club during the 2020-21 and 2021-22 campaigns.
Pellistri has been on the bench for seven Premier League matches this season, although he has not been in the squad for the team's last four league fixtures.
The South American will hope that his impressive performance against Charlton proves to be enough to earn him a spot on the bench for Saturday's Manchester derby with Manchester City at Old Trafford.
Matt Law
