Watford bid for Abdoulaye Doucoure rejected by Rennes?

Watford's bid for Rennes midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure has been rejected, according to reports.

The French side are believed to have turned down a bid of €8.5m (£6.17m) from the Premier League side and according to L'Equipe, Rennes are holding out for €12m (£8.7m).

The Hornets reportedly contacted the Ligue 1 side yesterday to re-open negotiations and are hopeful of striking a deal before the transfer window shuts.

Quique Sanchez Flores has already signed 12 players this summer but is looking to add to his side's options in the middle of the park and it was reported earlier this week that Flores would be willing to meet the asking price.

The 22-year-old made 35 appearances for Rennes in Ligue 1 last season, scoring three goals and creating five assists.