It may still feel like the Championship season has just ended, but Watford’s pre-season preparations begin in less than a month against League One side Reading.
Last season was a long one for Hornets fans, and Tom Cleverley will be hoping for a smoother ride this time around.
Here’s the latest transfer speculations from Vicarage Road, including competition from Leeds United.
Watford may aim to profit on a potential Sheffield United contract reversal this summer, with the London club linked with a bid for midfielder Ben Osborn.
The 29-year-old, who made 24 Premier League appearances as the Blades were relegated last season, was expected to sign a new contract at Bramall Lane this summer, with his current deal expiring. Osborn was not among the players who left the club at the end of the season.
However, transfer guru Alan Nixon has reported that Osborn could still leave the club on a free transfer, with Watford the frontrunners to sign him. Derby County, a newly promoted Championship side, has also expressed interest.
The midfielder joined Sheffield United from Nottingham Forest in 2019 and has racked up 134 appearances for the club. The player has vast Championship experience to his name with 266 appearances in the division.
Watford has also been linked with a deal for Reggiana midfielder Natan Girma, who had a standout season in Serie B.
However, the Hornets will face stiff competition from Leeds United, with the Yorkshire club also linked with a move for the 22-year-old as Daniel Farke prepares for another promotion push at Elland Road.
Girma only joined Reggiana on a free transfer from Sona in July 2023, but his five goals and three assists in 26 league appearances have piqued the interest of Championship clubs. The Swiss star is under contract until 2027, but Italian newspaper Sport Quotidiano believes a £2.5 million deal would be sufficient for the Serie B club to approve an exit after only 12 months.
