Watford are closing in on their first signing of the summer with the likely arrival of Croatian Under-21 international Antonio Tikvic from Udinese.

The Watford Observer understands the central defender has been training with the Hornets at London Colney this week and although the deal has yet to be confirmed, he is set to complete a move to Vicarage Road.

Born in Hamburg to Croatian parents, Tikvic is 6ft 4in tall and is left-footed, meaning he would provide an alternative to Wes Hoedt on the left side of the Hornets backline.

The 20-year-old was linked with a potential move to Vicarage Road in January, having joined the fellow Pozzo-owned club from Bayern Munich’s reserve team last September.

After moving to Udinese, Tikvic said: “I see myself as a tactically-astute player. I’m good in possession and I’ve got a great left foot. Despite my height I’ve got good ball skills and I’m quick.”

The defender, who played for St Pauli and Hamburg before joining Eintracht Frankfurt’s academy, began his senior career for Türkgücü München before moving to the German giants.

Capped four times by Croatia’s Under-21 side, Tikvic’s only appearance for Udinese came in an Italian Cup tie.