Leeds United: Watford striker back on Whites transfer radar

Leeds and Watford have reached an agreement over a fee for Forestieri, leaving the move in the hands of the 25-year-old Italian with the transfer deadline days away.

Massimo Cellino, who has been negotiating personally with Watford’s owners, the Pozzo family, is ready to pay more than £3million for Forestieri, despite indicating on Thursday that Leeds could not afford to finance a deal.

The Elland Road club have already invested more than £4m in Chris Wood and Stuart Dallas but Forestieri is in line to become their third major investment of the summer, provided United can agree personal terms with him.

Forestieri was put up for sale by Watford after failing to feature in their first two Premier League matches and Leeds are one of a number of clubs, including Sheffield Wednesday and Reading, who have made an approach for him.

Watford sporting director Nicola Salerno - employed by Cellino in the same capacity at Elland Road last season - is understood to have been involved in negotiations over Forestieri’s future.

Salerno attended last weekend’s goalless draw between Reading and Leeds and was pictured with Cellino at the Madejski Stadium.