Morris is ready to move to the League One club and the O’s would like to have him available to play for them against Reading this weekend, the Watford Observer has been told by sources close to the player.
The 24-year-old played 90 minutes in Watford’s FA Cup third round defeat to Bristol City on Saturday, his first start and just his third appearance of the season.
Morris is ready to move to play more first-team football and it is understood plenty of clubs have enquired.
James Morris at Bristol City on Saturday (Image: Alan Cozzi/Watford FC)
Spanish side Malaga were keen on the full-back, but that interest has stalled, while the player would be keen on a move to MLS but not enough serious interest has materialised.
Now he only wants to join Orient, who nearly signed him in the summer, but Watford must ensure they have enough cover in defence to allow him to leave.
Head coach Javi Gracia wants to achieve that by signing a versatile full-back who can play on either side this month.
Marc Bola has made a big impression since joining on a free transfer in the summer, playing every minute of league football since October 18.
Marc Bola has made a big impression as a free transfer (Image: Action Images)
Gracia is keen not to sign players who won’t be happy when they can’t dislodge left-back Bola, with loan deals for Bournemouth’s Julio Soler and former academy player Harry Amass from Manchester United having initially been looked at.
The club do recognise that cover for Bola could be necessary, though, and are searching a tough market for a player who can play in a couple of different positions.
Gracia also wants to sign a left-sided centre-back, having acknowledged on Saturday that his squad is “weaker” for the loss of Max Alleyne back to Manchester City last week.
Javi Gracia is keen to sign a Max Alleyne replacement (Image: PA)
The club were caught by surprise by Alleyne’s departure so work to find the right replacement is ongoing.
Valon Behrami said last month that they would prioritise quality over a player who was specifically left-footed, hence the decision to walk away from a deal to sign Jack Robinson – who has since struggled at Birmingham City – in the summer.
In midfield, talks to sign Italian midfielder Edoardo Bove are still taking place.
The Hornets face stiff competition to sign a player of significant pedigree, with Premier League and Bundesliga clubs showing an interest, but very much remain in the running.
Behrami claimed last week the signing would be a “dream”.