In this March 10, 2020 photo, Lucas Verissimo of Brazil's Santos celebrates his goal against Ecuador's Delfin during their Copa Libertadores football match at Vila Belmiro stadium, in Santos, Brazil. (NELSON ALMEIDA / AFP)

RIO DE JANEIRO - Watford have made a bid to sign Santos defender Lucas Verissimo, according to reports in the Brazilian press.

Lucas Verissimo has also reportedly attracted the interest of Chelsea and Inter Milan in recent weeks

The English Premier League club offered 7.5 million euros (around US$8.5 million) to prise the 25-year-old away from the Brazilian Serie A club, Globo Esporte said on Tuesday.

It added that the deal could see Verissimo subsequently loaned out to Italian Serie A side Udinese, which shares the same owners as Watford.

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Verissimo has also reportedly attracted the interest of Chelsea and Inter Milan in recent weeks.

The center-back has made 156 first-team appearances for Santos since being promoted from the club's youth academy in 2016.

Watford, who are fighting to avoid relegation, currently have two Brazilians in their squad: goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes and forward Joao Pedro.