Etienne Capoue appears to be closing in on a move away from Watford with Valencia coach Javi Gracia claiming that the midfielder has ‘asked to leave’ Vicarage Road, while speaking to Marca.
A long-serving midfielder who played arguably the best football of his Hornets career under Gracia could be set for a reunion on the Castellon Coast.
Capoue is expected to follow former midfield partner Abdoulaye Doucoure out the door before the October transfer deadline and, after selling Francois Coquelin and captain Dani Parejo to La Liga rivals Villarreal, Valencia are in the market for one of their coach’s favourites.
Marca reports that the former Tottenham youngster is expected to earn £50,000-a-week at the Mestalla – a slight decrease on the wage he currently takes home at Watford.
And Gracia’s comments have only fanned the flames.
“He has asked to leave but it does not mean that Valencia has the exclusivity that he is going to come here. He will have his options,” said the coach sacked weeks after taking Watford to a FA Cup final last year.
“I do not know what will happen. I am not aware of negotiations currently.”
Capoue has not played a minute of Championship football for Watford under Vladimir Ivic, albeit due to injury.
And the Hornets already appear to have a replacement lined up in the shape of highly-rated Manchester United loanee James Garner.
Marca adds that Valencia wanted to sign Capoue for free but Watford have refused to terminate the final two years of his contract.
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