Watford have agreed a deal in principle with Marseille for the sale of Canada midfielder Ismael Kone.
A fee has been agreed in the region of £15million ($19m) including add-ons for the 22-year-old.
Kone is currently at the Copa America with Canada but has indicated to Watford he that he is keen to move on, with formalities to be completed once the tournament is over.
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Other clubs have registered an interest in the midfielder but the situation with Marseille is now at advanced stage, with only final details to be completed.
Kone joined Watford from CF Montreal in December 2022 for a fee in the region of £4million ($5m).
During his 18 months with the club he has made 63 appearances and scored four goals.
The move would see him join former Watford winger Ismaila Sarr in Marseille following his move to the Ligue 1 club last summer.
He is also set to be managed by incoming head coach Roberto De Zerbi after Marseille confirmed this week they have reached an agreement in principle with De Zerbi to become the new head coach following his departure from Brighton at the end of last season.
Kone made his Canada debut in March 2022 and has been capped 21 times at senior level.
He has started both his country’s matches at the Copa America and head coach Jesse Marsch spoke highly of his potential following the group stage loss to Argentina.
“I have no doubt that Ismael has an incredible future,” Marsch said. “And I’m just trying to add to who he is, both from a mental perspective and from a tactical perspective.”
Marseille, nine-time Ligue 1 champions, most recently in 2010, finished eighth last season.
Watford and Marseille have been approached by The Athletic for comment.
GO DEEPER
Canada's Jesse Marsch sees signs of a champion in Ismael Kone
(Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)