Loaned out to Lorient FC last season, Imran Louza (25) is likely to leave Watford FC this summer and is gathering lots of interest, according to L’Equipe. Newly-promoted Ligue 1 side AS Saint-Etienne are among the clubs targeting the midfielder, who would favour a return to France. 

In lack of game time in the EFL Championship with Watford, Louza decided to return to Ligue 1 almost three years after having left FC Nantes. Arriving to Lorient last winter, the left-footed central midfielder earned an immediate spot in Stéphane Le Bris’ starting XI, taking part in 14 games during the second part of the season, logging one goal and three assists. Performances that were unfortunately not enough to help the club stay up in Ligue 1, resulting in Louza returning to his parent club. However, the former Morocco international has lots of suitors queueing up and could leave England soon. 

According to a report by L’Equipe, Trabzonspor and PAOK have sent a loan offer with an option to buy for Louza. However, the French outlet adds that the former Nantes player would rather return to France than leave for Turkey or Greece. Saint-Etienne are among three Ligue 1 clubs to consider bidding for Louza, who also gathers interest from Spanish outfits Espanyol Barcelone and Mallorca. The Watford midfielder would reportedly also be keen on playing in La Liga. 

GFFN l Grégoire Devaux