Watford FC 'surprised' reaction issued to Rocco Vata exit talk - Crystal Palace, Fulham are circling | OneFootball

FLW’s Watford fan pundit has commented on Premier League interest in Rocco Vata.

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

Watford’s five-game unbeaten run in the Championship came to an end as the Hornets were beaten 2-1 by Birmingham City at St Andrew's @ Knighthead Park on Monday night.

Javi Gracia’s men did show some fight after being 2-0 down at half-time courtesy of strikes from Paik Seung-Ho and Demarai Gray, with Othmane Maamma clawing one back for the visitors, but it wasn’t enough as Watford walked away from the West Midlands empty-handed.

It now means the Hornets have won just two out of their last six second-tier matches, and are seven points away from the bottom three, although they remain just five points from the top six too, highlighting how tight the table is at this stage.

In order to make sure they push towards the top end of the table, Watford could be in the market for some reinforcements as the January transfer window approaches.

However, there could be some exits to be sanctioned too, and one player who has been linked with a move away from the club is talented youngster Rocco Vata.

The Republic of Ireland international signed on the dotted line at Vicarage Road in the summer of 2024 from Celtic, netting three times and providing four assists in his debut term.

He had already notched two goals and as many assists in 10 second-tier matches this season to note his improvement, but the winger recently suffered a long-term hamstring injury in a big blow for both the player and club.

But it hasn’t stopped some top-flight teams in England monitoring his situation, with a report by the Daily Mail stating Crystal Palace and Fulham are both interested in securing his services, with Vata touted to be worth up to £20m.

With this news in mind, FLW’s Watford fan pundit has commented on the future of Vata, and how likely he is to move away from Vicarage Road in January.

Watford 'surprise' outlined over Rocco Vata, Vicarage Road exit talk

Speaking to Football League World, Watford fan pundit Justin Beattie has admitted he is surprised to see Rocco Vata linked with a move away in January given his current injury, admitting it would be disappointing to lose such a talented youngster on their books.

Justin said: “I haven’t seen any reports about Rocco Vata being eyed up by the likes of Crystal Palace or Fulham, but I’d be very surprised if he makes a move in January. He does have a fairly serious injury at the moment, which is likely to keep him out well after the new year.

“He isn’t a regular starter at Watford, although that is starting to become the case. I think most fans would be disappointed to see him leave him this soon into his Watford career as he is a promising talent.

“I think the price would have to be absolutely right if we were to sell him. Recently, at a fan’s forum, the chairman Scott Duxbury, said that there are no plans to sell any players, but obviously, if a very high fee came in, they would have to consider that option.

"I would be very surprised if Rocco Vata leaves Watford in the January transfer window.”

It’s no surprise to see clubs in the Premier League interested in Rocco Vata, with the winger showing a steady improvement in a Watford shirt at such a young age.

But the attacker is still continuing his recovery from a rather long-term hamstring injury, so surely these interested sides will want to see him return first and prove his fitness for the remainder of the season before making a move.

Because of this, Vata’s full focus should be making sure he returns as quickly as possible to get back on the pitch and help his teammates.

If Vata can consistently be a bright spark in the final third for the remainder of the season when he returns, then he could be entitled to explore a jump up to the big time, but an exit in the new year should be parked given his latest setback.