Watford are said to be among a number of clubs in the running to sign Stevenage defender Ben Wilmot, but face opposition for his signature.

The 18-year-old has caught the eye with a run of impressive performances and has become a key man in the Stevenage defence.

Having previously been linked with a move away from the club in January, when Spurs emerged as the front runners for Wilmot’s signature, it looks likely he will depart Broadhall Way.

A clearer route to the first team has, however, reportedly put Watford ahead of their Premier League rivals in the race to sign the talented teenager.

Boro chairman, Phil Wallace, has already confirmed a number of Stevenage’s young players are targets for top flight clubs when talking to the club’s website in January.

“Spurs, Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Burnley, Watford, Brighton, Bournemouth and West Brom have all registered interest,” he said.

“Our response to every call is the same – we want to continue improving g our lads, so we can get the right deal for the club and the right deal for the player. That is not likely to be achieved by leaving us at the first sign of interest.

“We are flattered by interest from so many Premier League clubs for our young players, but we want to continue to develop an improving them here for as long as possible.”