Watford ‘close to signing’ Edoardo Bove after Roma exit, Sunderland loan trio updates | OneFootball

Watford are close to signing Edoardo Bove as a free agent, according to Fabrizio Romano. He reports that an agreement is in place and the 23-year-old wants the move after leaving Roma.

Bove, an AS Roma academy product, suffered a cardiac arrest in December 2024 and now has an Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator fitted. Italian regulations prevent players with an ICD from competing, leading to his contract termination and search for a club abroad.

He had been linked with Sunderland, Everton and Nottingham Forest earlier this week, but a move to the Championship is now in play.

Bove has said he drew support from Christian Eriksen during his recovery, with the Dane contacting him and advising him to stay calm, rest and be with family.

Sunderland have arranged further senior minutes for Zak Johnson, Oliver Bainbridge and Jake Waters in the coming weeks.

Johnson has extended his stay at York City, where the defender has made three appearances since joining in November. Bainbridge remains with South Shields and has scored twice in 14 outings from full-back.

Waters has joined Spennymoor Town on a short-term deal after netting five for Graeme Murty’s under-21s this season. Johnson and Bainbridge are expected to stay on loan until the end of the campaign.

Source: Sunderland Echo