Genk coach Peter Maes wants to play Bernard Kumordzi in central defence as a replacement for Christian Kabasele who has joined Watford.

Kumordzi, who is a cultured defensive midfielder, has been working hard in pre-season to fill the vacuum.

Genk are preparing to face Montenegrin side Buducnost in the UEFA Europa League second qualifying round first leg.

Kumordzi has been with the Belgian side since 2012 and has had chequered spells.

Last season, he made 13 league appearances.