Watford FC Transfer News: Matěj Vydra, James Lea Siliki + More

With just over a week until the January Transfer Window slams shut, rumours are beginning to swirl in the football world, and this is no different at Watford. With one in, being Bodo/Glimt star Philip Zinckernagel, and one out, in the form of pass master Etienne Capoue, the Hornets are already involved in the craziness of the window, and their business may not be done yet.

Capoue's departure to Unai Emery's Villarreal at the start of the month unsurprisingly left Watford fans clambering for a replacement for the irreplaceable. There has been interest in midfielders, but a player of Etienne Capoue's quality in the tackle, with equal capability to "ping one" across the pitch to an expectant forward unfortunately won't be angling for a move to the Championship.

James Léa Siliki - Midfielder, Stade Rennais

Watford have returned to a familiar source in their search for a midfielder, contacting the representatives of Rennes midfielder James Léa Siliki, a 24 year old who has often found himself limited to appearances from the bench this season. Léa Siliki has however started in the Champions League this campaign alongside £90 million teenager Eduardo Camavinga, a player subject to interest from Europe's elite. 

There was interest in the Frenchman in June 2019 according to some reports, and Genoa and Porto are linked to him too, so there's a long way to go, but one source told VIBE 107.6 that the player is "very interested" by a move to Hertfordshire. The clubs are in talks at the moment, and although he is a different player to the departed Capoue, Watford's track record with Rennes signings may indicate success for Léa Siliki at Vicarage Road.

Amos Youga - Midfielder, CSKA Sofia 

A name which popped up earlier this month was CSKA Sofia defensive midfielder Amos Youga. Sources in Bulgaria where the player is based suggested that Watford were interested, and his agency Alliance Soccer Consulting confirmed that the club had an eye on him. Whether that's agent talk or something more serious remains to be seen, but Youga hasn't been mentioned for a little while now.

There is a link between CSKA and Watford; The Hornets appointed Cristiano Giaretta as Sporting Director following his exit from the Bulgarian Capital, and Watford duo Adalberto Penaranda and Jerome Sinclair are currently playing for them on season-long loans, but the rumours of Youga following Giaretta's path are just that for now, nothing more.

Matěj Vydra - Forward, Burnley

Speculation is growing that Czech Republic International Matěj Vydra could be on his way back to his former club. Vydra enjoyed two successful spells at Watford in 2012/13, and later from 2014-2016, before joining Derby for a reported £8 million.

Unsurprisingly, news of his potential return has sparked mayhem amongst the Watford faithful. Vydra is undeniably a popular figure in the eyes of supporters and his homecoming would be welcomed. 

Unfortunately, it's not quite as simple as that. The Athletic's Andy Jones stated that stumbling blocks exist in that many clubs (including Watford) would prefer a loan rather than a permanent transfer, and the Clarets need to secure a replacement first. 

In addition to this, Watford are not the only side keeping tabs on the wantaway attacker. My understanding is that Burnley have been contacted by clubs in Spain, Germany, Turkey and Italy, as well as Bournemouth apparently wanting his services. Vydra wants to play more and ensure he is in the Czech Republic squad for this Summer's Euros, and a move would likely facilitate that aim. 

Let's not forget; his exit from Watford wasn't completely smooth. Having played a key role in the Hornets' promotion to the Top-Flight, he found opportunities to play few and far between. With Watford fighting again to return to the Premier League, Vydra and his representatives must be cautious that history doesn't repeat itself, leaving him forced to make loan moves again.

For now Watford fans, don't get your hopes up, but keep an eye on the news, this won't be the last we hear of it this month.