Ashley Fletcher scored three goals in an injury-hit Championship campaign last season; Danny Rose is a free agent after his contract at Tottenham came to an end; Ashley Young is unlikely to return to Watford having been in talks over a one-year deal
Friday 11 June 2021 20:24, UK
Watford have signed striker Ashley Fletcher from Middlesbrough, and are in advanced talks to sign former England international Danny Rose on a free transfer.
Fletcher will join the Hornets as a free agent on July 1 when his contract with Middlesbrough, where he spent four seasons after moving from West Ham, expires.
The 25-year-old scored three goals in an injury-hit campaign last season. The length of his deal at Vicarage Road has not been disclosed.
Watford are also in advanced talks with former Tottenham and England full-back Danny Rose over a potential free transfer.
The 30-year-old left Spurs after 14 years at the club, having joined from Leeds as a teenager in 2007.
However, it is understood Ashley Young is unlikely to make a return to Watford after discussions with the former Manchester United player's representatives were held over a potential one-year deal.
Young is weighing up his options after Inter Milan offered the 35-year-old a new one-year contract, while he also has offers from Burnley and two other unnamed Premier League clubs.
Meanwhile, goalkeeper Rob Elliot has signed a two-year contract with the Hornets after initially joining on a short-term deal in January to provide cover for Daniel Bachmann and Ben Foster.
Watford secured promotion back to the Premier League at the club's first attempt, having suffered relegation to the Championship the previous season.
The transfer window opened on June 9 but what do Watford need to do this summer ahead of their Premier League return?
Sky Sports' Simeon Gholam writes: "The last time Watford were promoted to the Premier League in 2015 they replaced their manager before the start of the season, but Xisco Munoz has the full backing of the club to lead them into the top flight next season, after his arrival last December triggered their incredible run to promotion.
"The Hornets possessed a squad that probably should not have been relegated from the Premier League in the first place, and have lost very little in terms of key personnel. Interest in Ismaila Sarr will be high, but if they could hold onto him ahead of a season in the Championship, they should be able to show enough resilience to keep him again now they have returned to the Premier League.
"Troy Deeney remains the talismanic figure at the club, but his best days are behind him as injuries have taken their toll. Watford's incredible sprint to promotion happened with the 32-year-old on the sidelines from February onwards, and finally finding his long-term replacement will be essential if they are to score enough goals to survive.
