West Ham and Torino were linked with a move for Etienne Capoue in January.
Watford midfielder Etienne Capoue has told the Hertfordshire Mercury that he always wanted to remain at Vicarage Road despite being linked with a move to West Ham United in the January transfer window.
The 29-year-old was a £12million target for the Hammers, according to the Daily Mail, as he remained in and out of the Hornets side. However, since the arrival of Javi Gracia, he has been a mainstay in the Watford starting line-up.
The Hammers were desperate to add a central midfielder to their squad, linked with the likes of Jonjo Shelvey, Leander Dendoncker, Joe Allen, Tom Cairney, Morgan Schneiderlin and Tom Davies. But they failed to land anyone.
Capoue was another name on their long shortlist but the former Tottenham Hotspur star stated that he was always full focused on remaining at Watford, with two more years remaining on his current deal.
“I was focused on staying at Watford – 100 per cent. And even if there was no change [in managers] I was still focused on Watford,” Capoue said.
“I read the links and I said I want to stay in Watford. I want to stay here. I have two more years and I feel good at the club.”
Capoue has become renowned for being somewhat of a goalscoring midfielder at Watford, scoring three this season in his 16 appearances as well as scoring seven times last term.
A seven-time France international, Capoue could become a target once again in the summer transfer window if West Ham remain keen to land the midfielder. However, for now, he will remain in Hertfordshire.
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