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Watford are reportedly interested in Dynamo Kyiv defender Denys Popov

Watford remain on the hunt for defensive acquisitions in the dying embers of this summer's transfer window and are believed to have identified Denys Popov of Dynamo Kyiv as a target.

According to David Cameron Walker, formerly of talkSPORT and The Athletic, Popov could potentially be on his way to Watford in what would represent the club's ninth incoming this summer, as revealed by the presenter when speaking on the WD: 18 Watford Fan Channel' on YouTube.

Watford, who are now under the management of ex-Real Valladolid boss Paulo Pezzolano, have completed eight signings to date, with deals for the likes of one-time Bayern Munich prodigy Nestory Irankunda and striker Luca Kjerrumgaard turning heads.

The Hornets have started the 2025/26 Championship campaign in indifferent fashion, having lost out 1-0 to newly-promoted Charlton Athletic on the opening weekend before claiming a 2-1 victory over QPR courtesy of a first-half brace from Kjerrumgaard.

Watford will next be in action away to Swansea City on Saturday afternoon.

Watford eager to seal transfer for Dynamo Kyiv's Denys Popov

As revealed on the latest episode of the 'WD: 18 Watford Fan Channel' on YouTube, Popov could potentially be on his way to Vicarage Road in the closing stages of the window.

Any move for Popov would surely be a permanent one, with the 26-year-old having established himself as a mainstay in the side with Ukrainian giants Dynamo Kyiv.

A one-club man to date, the physically-imposing central defender has racked up 141 appearances and counting for the Ukrainian capital outfit. He has also earned three caps and counting for Ukraine at senior international level.

Popov is a central defender by trade and would give Pezzolano a much-needed additional option in that area of the pitch, with the Uruguayan forced to play midfielder Hetor Kyprianou there in a back-five against QPR on the weekend.

Dynamo Kyiv's Denys Popov has impressive pedigree amid Watford interest

Although Popov represents something of an unknown quantity to domestic supporters at this moment in time, the defender would bring intriguing pedigree that could translate rather well to the Championship.

Popov has regularly appeared for Dynamo Kyiv in European competition in recent years, and made 11 appearances across the UEFA Champions League qualifiers and the Europa League in 2024/25.

Of course, the Championship is a clear step up from the Ukrainian top-flight, but the fact that Popov has played consistently in Europe, all the while holding his own, is encouraging.

He could shape up to be a shrewd acquisition for Watford, if they are able to get a deal over the line in the coming days and weeks.