Watford 'failed with Paco Alcacer swoop'

Watford reportedly tried to sign Barcelona forward Paco Alcacer on a two-year loan deal in the latter stages of the English transfer window.

Alcacer joined Barcelona from Valencia in the summer of 2016 and has made 50 appearances for the Catalan outfit, finding the back of the net on 15 occasions.

The 24-year-old has largely struggled to hold down a first-team spot at Camp Nou, however, and has been strongly linked with a move away from the club in this summer's transfer window.

According to Sport, Watford proposed a two-year loan deal with the option to sign the striker permanently, but ultimately could not agree terms with Barcelona before the English transfer window closed last week.

Alcacer could still reportedly leave Barcelona before the end of the month, however, with the likes of Real Betis and Nice said to be interested in the 13-time Spain international.