LaLiga side Villarreal make Watford midfielder Etienne Capoue a ‘priority signing’ as they look to strengthen their side during the January transfer window to boost Champions League qualification hopes
- Villarreal are in need of a midfielder after a serious injury to Vincente Iborra
- Unai Emery’s side have made Watford’s Etienne Capoue their top target
- Villarreal want him on loan though Watford would only consider a full transfer
Watford midfielder Etienne Capoue has reportedly been made a ‘priority signing’ for LaLiga side Villarreal.
The side managed by former Arsenal coach Unai Emery have made a bright start to the season and currently sit inside the Champions League qualification spots in fourth.
Capoue, who joined Watford in 2015, is still seen as a valuable asset by the Hornets.
Etienne Capoue could be on his way out of Vicarage Road with LaLiga side Villarreal interested
Villarreal are seeking a replacement for Vincente Iborra who will miss the rest of the season
As reported by Marca, Villarreal are interested in signing Capoue but would favour a loan deal.
However, Watford would reportedly only consider a permanent transfer and not a loan move for a player who has made 11 appearances for them in the Championship so far this season.
Their interest comes on the back of a bitter blow, after a serious injury to Vincente Iborra.
The 32-year-old ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament to his left knee against Real Betis on December 13, and has been ruled out for the rest of the season.
Capoue has also had interest previously from Javi Gracia’s Valencia, though a move failed to materialise.
Villarreal coach Emery has been rebuilding his stock after a failed spell as manager of Arsenal.
A move to Villarreal would see Capoue work for Unai Emery who has impressed at the club
They sit fourth in LaLiga, six points behind Atletico Madrid – who they have two games in hand over, Real Madrid and level on points with Real Sociedad.
Barcelona have improved in form recently however and sit two points behind Villarreal with a game in hand.
Villarreal next face sixth placed Sevilla next up in the league on December 29.
