Hornets hoping for captain stay

Watford are hoping to convince captain Adrian Mariappa his future lies at Vicarage Road after fending off interest in the defender last month.

The 25-year-old was subject to intense speculation from Premiership trip Arsenal, Newcastle United and Wigan Athletic in January, but the Hornets managed to keep hold of the in-demand Englishman.

However, a number of club’s are expected to focus upon the youngster when the transfer re-opens at the end of the season.

Manager Sean Dyche has previously reiterated that Mariappa will only be sold for the right price, thought to be anything upwards of £4m.

And the Watford academy product is said to be eager to test himself in England’s top division, something he may not be able to achieve with the club, who currently find themselves 13 points adrift of the play-off places.

Dyche will be hoping to keep his prized asset at Vicarage Road, but if Watford fail to return to the Premiership for the first time since their relegation in 2007, they may be forced to sell the powerful centre-back. 

For more Football Blogs and opinion from football fans around the world