Watford sporting director dismisses speculation on star player’s future | OneFootball

Watford sporting director Luke Dowling has dismissed transfer speculation on the potential exit of Imran Louza as “just noise”.

The Morocco international has been heavily-linked with an exit, with Premier League outfit Crystal Palace among those interested. The midfielder has also been pushing for a move way, leading to him losing his captaincy duties.

Nevertheless, the 27-year-old has now returned to full team training and remains a Watford player for the time being.

“Imran is still a Watford player,” insisted sporting director Dowling. “As far as I’m aware, lots of the noise around him in terms of the press is just that, noise.

“I watch him around training, I watched him come on against Brentford, and I think we need to start focusing on how good Imran is.

“Imran Louza is one of the best midfielders in this league. He gets us playing, technically he’s gifted, he sees passes, he makes us play, so the main focus as a club, as we speak, is to try and get him in the team.”

Louza was recognised as Watford’s Player of the Season the season before last and remains one of their most important players. He finished second in the running for the same award last season.  The Hornets will hope to have him available for their Championship opener against Southampton in a week’s time.

Dowling continued: “He had a slightly more extended break than others because he had a pre-World Cup camp with Morocco. Since he’s been back, he’s trained really hard and he’s been great around the place.

“He’s a player I love watching. Nothing to report on Imran about from that he’s here, working hard, doing great, and we’re pleased he’s still with us.”