Ashley Young's proposed return to Watford is hanging in the balance with new Inter Milan boss Simone Inzaghi keen to retain the left-back's services for another season.

Prior to Inzaghi's arrival, Inter were happy to let the defender return to England, with discussions over a return to Vicarage Road escalating towards the end of last month.

However, sources in Italy have explained that the new manager, who was installed on June 3, has since stated he wants to keep Young ahead of their Serie A title defence in the 2021/22 campaign.

Reports in both the Mail and the Athletic claim that a new Inter contract has now been offered to Young, which has since been confirmed, giving the defender something to think about.

A deal was understood to be close between Watford and the soon-to-be 36-year-old, when it seemed that an extension to his stay at the San Siro was not forthcoming, with Italian media claiming at one stage it was as close as "90 per cent" complete.

Sources at the club were a lot less confident about the prospect of an imminent return, claiming that quite a bit still needed to happen in order for Young to once again become a Hornet.

That cautiousness seems to have been well-placed, with a new season in Italy more likely now than before.

Previously, Young has said he would be interested in a return to Watford, at one point claiming he would "walk from Italy" if it meant he could rejoin the Hornets, but he has also said that a new deal at Inter would be difficult to turn down.

Speaking to Sky Sports just over a month ago, he said: "I've never said I wouldn't go back. It's the club where I started at 10 years old.

"It would be a difficult decision to make.

"There have been talks [with Inter]. I have had an unbelievable time at Inter, if there is something to be done I'm sure a deal can be sorted out.

"It's a waiting game because everyone is in a pandemic, we don't know where finances are. I am chilled and laid back, I am enjoying my football, we've just won the league.

"There can be a lot of factors involved in the decision. I will make sure it is the right decision for me and my family."