Watford are lining up a shock cut-price swoop for Saido Berahino as they prepare to cash-in on Odion Ighalo.

Talks over a proposed move for the West Bromwich Albion striker are underway with the Hornets looking to steal a march on their rivals in the race for Berahino.

Watford have made the Burundi-born hitman their No 1 choice to replace Ighalo, who is set to leave Vicarage Road this summer.

Watford want Saido Berahino from West Bromwich Albion with the striker a target in a cut-price deal

Watford are set to cash in on Odion Ighalo with their forward's goalscoring attracting attention

SAIDO BERAHINO VS ODION IGHALO THIS SEASON SAIDO BERAHINO Age: 22 Club: West Bromwich Albion Appearances: 17 (13) Goals: 4 Assists: 0 ODION IGHALO Age: 26 Club: Watford Appearances: 33 (1) Goals: 14 Assists: 3 Premier League games only Advertisement

Having been a Premier League sensation during the first half of the season, scoring 14 goals before the turn of last year, Ighalo has faded during the second, notching just three times.

And the FA Cup semi-finalists are preparing to sell Ighalo to the highest bidder ahead of next season.

The likes of Arsenal and Manchester United have both scouted Ighalo since his remarkable rise to prominence last year.

But the way he has faltered in recent months is likely to have put the Premier League giants off.

However, there are likely to be a host of parties interested in the Nigeria forward this summer given he has proved he can score regularly in the top-flight.

Berahino enters the final 12 months of his contract this summer and will not sign a new deal.

West Brom wanted £25million for Berahino in the summer but that price could fall to below £10m now

That means the Baggies are likely to sell the forward for a reduced fee to avoid the prospect of losing him on a free transfer at the end of next season.

West Brom valued Berahino at £25million last summer, but that price could fall below £10m now, given his contract status.