Dionisi wants to assess Watford forwards as top-flight clubs eye Semedo

Watford striker Vivaldo Semedo is attracting interest from European top-flight clubs but incoming head coach Alessio Dionisi wants to assess him before a decision is made on his future.

Sources close to Semedo have told The Watford Observer that Ligue 1 side Lyon and Portuguese giants Porto and Benfica have shown some interest in the striker, while there have been more concrete approaches from other Liga Portugal sides Famalicao and Alverca.

Eredvisie outfit Heerenveen are also keen on the 21-year-old, who scored four goals in his debut season at Vicarage Road after signing from Udinese on a five-year deal last summer.

Semedo is expected to report for pre-season with the Hornets in a few weeks' time, though, to allow Dionisi to make his own judgement before next steps are decided.

More: Watford due to seal Dionisi appointment this week

(Image: Alan Cozzi/Watford FC)

The latest indication is that Luca Kjerrumgaard will also be returning to London Colney.

The striker spent last season at Vicarage Road on loan from Udinese - and though an obligation to sign him permanently existed in that deal, the relationship between the clubs means there is flexibility to configure any future deal in a number of ways.

The default position was initially for Kjerrumgaard to report for pre-season in Italy, but there is now every chance that the Dane will be back in Hertfordshire for Dionisi to take a look at.

The 23-year-old topped Watford's goalscoring charts with nine strikes last season - and was perhaps unlucky not to be granted additional goals against Middlesbrough and Preston - but only actually scored in seven of his 44 appearances.

The futures of fellow loanees James Abankwah and Saba Goglichidze are still being discussed.

(Image: Action Images)

Dionisi is set to be confirmed as the club's new head coach this week after agreeing terms to succeed Ed Still.

He may have to forgo a year's pay from previous club Empoli to take over at Vicarage Road, where Luca Vigiani - a member of Walter Mazzarri's coaching staff in 2016/17 - will form part of his backroom team.

Dionisi held an online call with training ground staff on Monday and is expected in England shortly.