Watford are interested in Napoli midfielder Allan, according to the player’s agent, but he is reportedly “happy” to stay in Italy.

The tough-tackling midfielder may make an ideal replacement for 31-year-old Valon Behrami, who has expressed his desire to leave Vicarage Road this season, with the Hornets lacking another natural defensive anchorman in the middle.

However, despite their interest in 26-year-old Allan, who has played under the Pozzos during a previous spell at Napoli, he looks unlikely to leave Naples this summer.

Claudio Vagheggi, his agent, said: “Allan is happy to stay at Napoli.

“In the event that they open up for a negotiation, sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli knows there’s a club that’s interested, and that’s Watford.”