Watford are chasing Middlesbrough fullback George Friend.

The London Evening Standard says Watford have turned their attentions to Middlesbrough defender Friend after refusing to meet Arsenal's £15million valuation for Kieran Gibbs.

Middlesbrough are willing to do business for Friend at around £8m. Watford are yet to make a formal offer at that level, however, given Friend is 29 years of age but the transfer is still under consideration by senior figures at Vicarage Road.

Friend started 20 Premier League matches last season as Middlesbrough were relegated from the top flight. He has been at the club since 2012 and is primarily a left-back but can also play at centre-back, which adds extra appeal for new Watford boss Marco Silva.