Udinese are in the hunt to bring Watford striker Stefano Okaka back to Serie A, according to reports in Italy, while Everton and West Brom are also said to be in the hunt.

Okaka made a goalscoring start to the season for the Hornets, but has not played a single minute of the three following games, and was not in the squad for their Carabao Cup exit to Bristol City or Premier League stalemate with Brighton on Saturday.

The Italian forward began his professional career with Roma before moving to Anderlecht, the club Watford signed him from, and reports in Italy suggest the bustling 28-year-old could be heading back to his home country and Udinese, who like Watford are owned by the Pozzo family.

Head coach Marco Silva admitted this week the start to the season was "not easy" for the striker, but said he would have to be patient to find a way back into the Watford squad.

"He does what he needs to do and it's not easy, I agree, but it's a matter of decisions," Silva said. "I take what the best solution is for the team each match every time.

"Not what is the best solution for player A, B, C or D, but what is best for the team. It's not a problem for me. If I think it's the best solution for the team I will take it.

"If others aren't happy, it's football. Not just him but others as well."