Watford close in on surprise deal for Sunderland defender

Watford have agreed personal terms with Sunderland centre back Younes Kaboul, according to L’Equipe, via Get French Football.

Kaboul, 30, has three years remaining on his existing deal with Sunderland but has been in talks with Watford for the last week and has now reached terms on the same deal.

Watford must now agree a fee with the French-born centre-back and this deal could leave Everton's pursuit for Lamine Kone dead in the water with Sunderland then requiring two centre-backs.

Of players that have made at least 20 appearances in the Premier League last season only Ramiro Funes Mori (8.9) averaged as many clearances per 90 minutes than Kaboul.

For more stats on Younes Kaboul, click here to visit his WhoScored player page