Aston Villa reportedly wanted Nathaniel Chalobah in January.
Watford boss Javi Gracia has told the Watford Observer that Nathaniel Chalobah still has a place at Vicarage Road despite a lack of first-team football this season.
Chalobah, 24, was showing real promise early last season following a move from Chelsea, but a major injury curtailed his impact, and ultimately allowed Etienne Capoue and Abdoulaye Doucoure to become Watford’s clear starters in midfield.
The midfielder actually picked up a first England cap in October, but has started just four games since then – and only two have been in the Premier League.
Chalobah has made just one substitute appearance – in added time against Everton – since the end of the January transfer window, and some may think that a summer move is on the cards.
Gracia has reassured Chalobah though, suggesting that he just needed time after his injury and remains an option in midfield, though the progression of youngster Domingos Quina is another issue for him to deal with.
With Chalobah struggling for playing time, Aston Villa should certainly be looking at a revived summer deal, after their January loan bid was blocked by Watford, at least according to the Birmingham Mail.
Glenn Whelan and Mile Jedinak are both out of contract this summer, and landing another player who can sit in front of the back four would be ideal for Dean Smith, with Chalobah fitting the bill.
He’s strong and good on the ball, providing the ideal base for the likes of Conor Hourihane, John McGinn and possibly Jack Grealish to move on and attack, whilst giving him the first-team football he needs.
Surely Chalobah will remain on the Villa radar no matter what division they’re in next season, and unless Watford give him some more minutes between now and summer, he should be interested in a move to Villa Park.
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