Watford have reportedly lined up Nice midfielder Adrien Tameze as a potential replacement for Abdoulaye Doucoure if he is sold in the January transfer window.

Doucoure has been the subject of firm interest, according to reports in France, from Paris Saint-Germain and the lure of Champions League football could persuade him to leave Vicarage Road.

The 25-year-old signed a new five-year contract with the Hornets in August which extended his deal until 2023.

But the move also safeguarded one of the Premier League club’s biggest assets and increased his transfer value.

Watford are believed to value Doucoure in the region of £45 to £50million and are likely to hold out for a figure close to this if PSG push for a move next month.

The Ligue 1 champions have set their sights on a midfielder with Adrien Rabiot determined to leave and head coach Thomas Tuchel has already outlined this area is a priority.

Doucoure won the club’s player of the season during the last campaign with the midfielder scoring seven goals.

His form attracted the interest of clubs such as Arsenal, Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur while Everton have also been linked with him.

Former Watford boss Marco Silva is a known admirer of Doucoure and could try to push through a move in an effort to be reunited with the midfielder at Goodison Park.

Doucoure may be more tempted to move to PSG in a switch which could enhance his aspirations of being called up to the France squad.

The midfielder has not been quite as effective this season, scoring twice, but is still an integral part of the Watford side and his transfer value remains high considering his age and the length of his current contract.

The possibility of his exit has magnified the club's need for contingency plans and Watford are said to have shown an interest in Tameze.

The 24-year-old could cost in the region of £10m and is an option if Doucoure moves on. Tameze, who can play in a variety of roles across the midfield, has made 18 league appearances for Nice this season.

The Hornets have also been linked with Philip Billing. The 22-year-old has scored two goals for Huddersfield Town this season.

His Premier League experience could appeal to the Hornets although Huddersfield will be desperate to hold onto the Denmark midfielder with their top-flight status under threat.

Another midfielder Watford have been linked with is Szymon Zurkowski. The 21-year-old plays for Gornik Zabrze and the Poland Under-21 international would be a relatively cheap option.