Fulham and Watford are reportedly set to do battle in the race to sign AC Milan defender Mateo Musacchio in January.

The 28-year-old was only a bit-part player during his debut season at Milan last term, but so far this campaign he has been a more regular fixture in the first team, making seven Serie A appearances already.

Fulham had been linked with the Argentina international during the summer, and Italian outlet Calciomercato reports that Watford have now joined their Premier League rivals in the race for his signature.

Both clubs are thought to be eyeing up January bids for the centre-back, who spent seven years with Villarreal before moving to San Siro.

Milan are understood to be open to the idea of selling Musacchio when the transfer window reopens, but only if they are able to draft in a replacement.