Watford treading well-worn Serie A path to solidifying defence

Watford’s intensive summer of recruitment shows very little sign of flagging as the Hornets look set to make an eighth signing of the transfer window.

In preparation for their Premier League return, new manager Quique Flores has been able to lean on the strong Serie A connections of owner Gino Pozzo once again.

With Matej Vydra and Allan Nyom also making permanent switches from fellow Pozzo-owned Udinese, this time around it looks as if Watford will bring in 30-year-old centre-half Miguel Britos directly from Napoli, rather than a convoluted loan deal.

This prospective move is being reported in local paper the Watford Observer which adds credence to the transfer.

Following the recruitment of Roma left-back Jose Holebas earlier in the window, Britos’ expected arrival would be the fourth such from Italian clubs this summer, though Vydra’s prior loan spells at Vicarage Road mark him out as a familiar face.

Britos is a Uruguayan with huge experience from his seven seasons in Serie A, initially turning out for Bologna and latterly for Napoli since 2011.

The 6ft 2” defender brings a pair of Italian Cup triumphs to Watford on his CV from his time in Naples too.

With so many new faces about the club, Flores’ unenviable task means forging some sort of understanding between them in the relatively short time before the new season begins.

At least the likes of Tottenham import Etienne Capoue and former West Ham midfielder Valon Behrami have Premier League experience in their lockers to assist with that process.

Watford have a tricky-looking trip to Everton on the opening day where the Hornets are priced at 4/1 to upset the Toffees at Goodison Park.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.

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