Exclusive: Watford plotting move to sign Hearts star - he could be available for £0 next summer | OneFootball

Watford are among a host of Championship sides eyeing up a move for Hearts defender Craig Halkett, FLW understands.

Watford are among a host of Championship clubs tracking Hearts defender Craig Halkett, Football League World has exclusively been informed.

The Hornets are hoping to finally break free from the relative obscurity that consistent mid-table finishes brings, and once again position themselves among the Premier League promotion hopefuls this season.

In order to bolster their chances, the club made the decision to axe Paulo Pezzolano after just nine league games in charge, and have turned to former boss Javi Gracia to once again take up the role of Watford manager.

Now 55, Gracia guided Watford to an 11th-placed finish in English football's top flight in the 2018/19 season, and also took the Vicarage Road faithful on an FA Cup journey they'll never forget, before losing to Manchester City 6-0 in the final.

Watford among Championship sides eyeing Hearts defender Craig Halkett

However, if Gracia is to lead the Hornets back to the promised land, then getting their player recruitment right is going to be essential.

Watford aren't in possession of the biggest budget in the Championship, and so shrewd bargains are always going to be on the Vicarage Road agenda.

That's exactly what they could get in the shape of Hearts defender, Craig Halkett.

Football League World has exclusively been informed that Watford, along with several other Championship clubs, are monitoring Halkett's situation at Tynecastle.

The 30-year-old centre-back is out of contract with the Edinburgh-based side in the summer, and as such, is set to test the free agent market at the end of the season.

We've been informed that Watford watched the former Livingston defender in action last weekend, as the experienced defender helped Hearts to a massive 3-1 victory over Scottish Premiership title rivals Celtic at Tynecastle.

Halkett could be an excellent addition on a free transfer for Watford

Signed by Hearts in the summer of 2019, Halkett has gone on to make over 150 appearances for the Jambos, and has become a hugely popular figure among supporters for his work rate, leadership and physical presence at the back.

Indeed, he wrote himself into Hearts and Edinburgh derby folklore in early October, as his 91st-minute strike sealed a late and dramatic winner against bitter rivals Hibernian.

His goal tally now stands at three in 10 Scottish Premiership games so far, with the Jam Tarts sitting clear at the top by six points, whilst he's also added a further two goals and an assist in the Scottish League Cup too.

The form he's in will no doubt be putting him firmly on the radar for a Scotland call-up, and perhaps provides further evidence that had it not been for his numerous injury problems over the years, international recognition may well have already arrived for him.

A big, powerful, duel-winning, no-nonsense centre-back who has to be accounted for at both ends of the pitch, Halkett could add that experience and leadership presence to what is currently a largely youthful Watford defensive group.

Jeremy Petris and Marc Bola are the two most senior Hornets defenders at 27 each, meaning Halkett would instantly become the most experienced figure in that department should he move to Vicarage Road.

So, potentially a free transfer no less, Halkett has all the hallmarks of being an absolute bargain signing, and has proven himself to be among the very best central defenders in Scottish football when fit and firing.