Watford working on Samuel Kalu deal as Claudio Ranieri reveals interest in Liverpool’s Nathaniel Phillips

Watford boss Claudio Ranieri has confirmed the club are working to sign Bordeaux winger Samuel Kalu and are also interested in Liverpool defender Nathaniel Phillips.

A deal for Kalu is thought to be at an advanced stage, with Watford ready to pay around £3million for the Nigerian.

The 24-year-old will bolster the Hornets’ options out wide, which have been hit following an injury to Ismaila Sarr.

“It is not closed 100 per cent and for this reason I said if the club think he is good for us, for now, for the future, we are ready to train with him,” said Ranieri, when asked about interest in Kalu.

Watford have signed three players already this month to bolster their squad as they bid to stay in the Premier League.

Further reinforcements could arrive and Ranieri has confessed he is fan of Liverpool defender Phillips, who is also being tracked by West Ham.

“Look, I like Phillips a lot,” he said. “Now, we are very, very full of defenders.

“[But] until the end of the market everything could happen and I have an open mind and am an open man. If someone arrives who can help us, I appreciate that.”