The Watford Observer understands the Hornets are close to completing the signing of Marseille defender Brice Dja Djedje.

Reports from France at the weekend indicated the 25-year-old was set to join Watford on a four-year contract and it is our understanding the deal could be finalised over the next day.

The Ivory Coast defender has made 63 appearances for Marseille since joining them from Evian in January 2014.

Right-back Dja Djedje will provide new head coach Walter Mazzarri with more defensive options heading into the season.

Mazzarri has played 3-5-2 throughout his coaching career in Italy and has adopted this formation during pre-season with Watford.

The defender's imminent arrival has cast more doubts over the future of full-back Juan Carlos Paredes.

Watford are currently away on a pre-season tour in Austria and have made four signings this summer after bringing in Jerome Sinclair, Isaac Success, Christian Kabasele and Juan Camilo Zuniga.