Watford’s search for a goalkeeper shows no sign of letting up after the Vicarage Road club were linked with a move for Benfica stopper Bruno Varela.

Heurelho Gomes’ advancing years and the singular year remaining on the Brazilian’s contract leave goalkeeper as a position which needs addressing in the summer transfer window.

The Hornets’ interest in Lukasz Fabianski evaporated after West Ham United moved to the front of the queue for the Swansea keeper – a deal they are expected to seal imminently.

Sevilla’s Sergio Rico, who is attracting interest from Napoli, has also been touted as a potential signing.

Varela, 23, has now emerged as a reported target after a season in which he established himself between the sticks for Benfica.

The Portugal Under-23 international made 31 outings for Benfica last term and helped them claim the Super Cup early in the campaign.

Nonetheless, signing a player of Varela’s age with no prior Premier League experience would represent a gamble for Watford.

The Hornets also have potential long-term successor to Gomes at the club in the form of Pontus Dahlberg, who was loaned back to IFK Gothenburg after joining the club in January.

With this in mind, a ready-made keeper with knowledge of the English top flight could represent a better investment for the Hornets in the short-term at least.