The chances of Watford bringing in a January signing seem to be decreasing after Lyon Winger Maxwel Cornet reportedly turned down a move to the Hornets in order to stay at Lyon.

According to Sky Sports reporter Adam Leventhal, despite Lyon being open to selling the player for a fee of around £25m, the winger has opted to stay in the South of France.

It was reported earlier in the window by Leventhal that Watford had opened talks with Lyon and an initial offer had been made and that the player was keen on the move however, he now seems to have backtracked.

The Ivorian international burst onto English screens earlier in the season when he scored two goals for Lyon in a Champions League 2-2 with Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City.

With talk hotting up in Italy that winger Gerard Deulofeu is a target for a return to AC Milan it remains to be seen if Watford can tempt the Ivorian to join the Premier League side.