Watford boss Walter Mazzarri has stepped up their pursuit of Fiorentina striker Mauro Zarate.

Sportitalia says Mazzarri has put in a personal call to Zarate to convince him about returning to England this month.

The former West Ham striker has been a bit-part player for Fiorentina this season and Mazzarri has assured him of regular first team football at Watford.

Zarate is happy in Florence, but confessed to Mazzarri he'd like to play more.

The Hornets boss would like to meet with Zarate face-to-face to persuade him about moving to Vicarage Road before the transfer window shuts.