LouOrns has claimed on Twitter that Watford are interested in a January deal for Harry Pickering (21 year old Crewe left-back), but this claim is not confirmed anywhere else. LouOrns sometimes gets it right such as reporting that Glenn Murray was about to sign, but also sometimes gets it wrong such as when he reported Matt Grimes (Swansea defensive midfielder) was going to have a medical at Watford during the last transfer window. A number of media reports (including the Daily Mail) claim that Watford are one of the clubs who have been watching Max Watters (21 year old Crawley striker, who played for England schoolboys and has scored 12 goals in 14 games in Division 2). I do not know much about these particular players, but personally I think that this type of low cost signing of young English players with potential would be a sensible move for Watford (in view of future changes in transfer regulations following Brexit). The risk would be relatively low because the transfer fees will be quite small compared to the reportedly £6 million which the club spent when they signed Obbi Oulare.
Crewe have a long history of developing youngsters into good players at a high level. I remember playing them when they had Savage , Lennon and Danny Murphy in the team ! Bet that was some team.
Apparently Pogba is available, but we don't really need petulant midfielders who come with agents baggage.
Just noticed that he scored a hat trick yesterday against Barrow. No doubt a few of the higher echelon clubs will have taken note and probably start a bidding war.
Ivic seems to want a new LB and CM: https://www.watfordobserver.co.uk/sport/18952370.vladimir-ivic-poised-watford-transfer-talks/ Seems logical to me, that.
"Weighing up a move for in-demand midfielder Matteo Ahlinvi of Nimes" Unless his age helps him (21) he doesn't appear to have the necessary qualifications for a work permit - one international cap for Benin two months ago. Any experts on the new rules? https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/watford-weigh-up-transfer-move-for-for-in-demand-midfielder/
To be honest, he's been a disappointment so far this season - and a bit of a liability. There must surely be better, cheaper, younger options available next month?
It may be unfair to criticise him personally, but he has been a shadow of his former self this season when he has played. Whether that is down to him, the former coach or both is debatable. At 32, would he be the same player for us next season if we were to get promoted? in balance, if we can secure a reasonable fee for him, that is probably in both parties interests.
The squad will be light on midfielders if Capoue leaves (because both Quina and Dele-Bashiru have long term injuries). I hope that the club have a replacement lined up.
It looks like he is off - is heading to Spain to sign a two and a half year contract with Villarreal according to twitter.
If Capoue is leaving immediately the window opens we must have a replacement lined up. Second point, under the new coach we will see if Chalobah is unleashed to play his more expansive game and indeed if he is capable of it.
With a less tolerant ref, Capoue could have been sent off in what could be his last game. I loved watching him at his best, but I agree with BB, I don't think we have seen the best of him recently.
I fear he might not be capable of it, Chris. I think he doesn’t have the imagination or the touch that Capoue has. He’s a moderately mundane Championship player imho.
