WATFORD have agreed a fee with Sunderland for defender Younes Kaboul as Walter Mazzarri is keen to strengthen his defence before the transfer deadline.

The 30 year old defender made 23 appearances for Sunderland last season as they again avoided the drop to the Championship under new England boss Sam Allardyce.

3 Younes Kaboul in what is likely to be his last game for Sunderland Credit: Getty Images

It is believed the fee for Kaboul will be around £4m as David Moyes looks to ship out before spending on his own defence.

The former Tottenham man will add experience to Mazzari's side who ground out a point in there opening Premier League match with Southampton.

A 3 year contract is believed to be on the table for Kaboul which is an attractive offer from Watford for a player that is now 30.

3 Younes Kaboul is on the verge of joining Watford Credit: Reuters

Kaboul also has 3 years still to run on his deal with the Black Cats but a move to Vicarage Road interests Kaboul more than it does to stay on Wearside.

Etienne Capoue will be a player Kaboul is familiar with as they both played together at Tottenham.

With Kaboul in central defence and Capoue in midfield Mazzarri is clearly looking to add a strong spine to his team to make them hard to beat this season.

Last years FA cup semi-finalists are at home to Chelsea this Saturday and will want to burst the Chelsea bubble after their dramatic late win over West Ham.