Liverpool, Newcastle and Man United casting eyes over Watford FC star | OneFootball

Othmane Maamma is attracting Premier League interest following his impressive Watford performances

Liverpool, Manchester United and Newcastle United scouts were all in attendance for Watford’s 3-0 win over Birmingham City on Thursday afternoon to keep tabs on Moroccan wonderkid Othmane Maamma.

According to TEAMtalk, the trio of Premier League clubs were all keeping tabs on the North African winger, who has been dazzling in the Championship since his emergence into the Hornets starting 11.

Maamma started in what ended up being a 3-0 win for Watford, and featured for 70 minutes before being substituted for Moussa Sissoko in the second half.

Tom Ince scored a hat-trick to give the Hornets a fourth victory in a row in the league, with their sights set on competing for promotion to the Premier League - and it is clubs from the top flight of England that are already starting to be interested in Maamma.

Watford’s Othmane Maamma attracting Premier League interest

It’s believed that almost a dozen clubs had someone in attendance at Vicarage Road on Thursday in order to watch Maamma compete against Birmingham.

The forward’s profile has been raised by his impressive performances in the Championship, as well as his Golden Ball-winning displays at the recent Under-20's FIFA World Cup in Chile.

This has reportedly led to interest from the likes of Liverpool, Newcastle and Man United, along with Brighton, Brentford and Sunderland.

It’s understood that Watford are not planning to cash in on the player this winter, having only signed the player in the summer from Montpellier in a deal worth 'under £1 million', as per the BBC.

However, the club could find it hard to turn down an offer of a certain size, if one does arrive this month, despite being in a promotion battle in the Championship - Maamma has become an increasingly important part of Gracia’s plans though since he returned from South America in his award-winning World Cup campaign, and he may not be for sale whatsoever.

Othmane Maamma excitement is growing - Watford FC may struggle to hold onto him

Maamma has only made 12 appearances in the Championship so far this season, but he’s made a very strong impression in that time.

He’s contributed three goals and one assist, and is one of the most exciting young talents in the division, so it’s no surprise this interest is now emerging.

If Watford can hold onto him until the end of the campaign, it would be a real boost to their promotion hopes, as he is proving a versatile threat in the final third as he can play effectively on both wings.

And if he can keep up this level of development, then it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Watford make a big profit on the fee paid to sign him last summer.