Watford handed boost in pursuit of international defender
Published:
The prospects of Watford landing Anderlecht defender Guillaume Gillet in the January transfer window have been given a boost with the full-back reportedly turning down a move to the MLS.
Reports have linked the Hornets with a move for the 21-capped Belgium international, with his current contract coming to an end in June.
Nevertheless, his club have said that he is free to leave in the coming window, despite the fact he has featured in 14 of the Purple and White’s 16 Jupiler League fixtures this term, as well as playing five times in the Europa League, scoring four times in the process.
LA Galaxy looked to have stolen a march on the Premier League outfit in the race for the 31-year-old’s signature when putting an offer on the table for the former Bastia man.
However, with the California side already having three ‘Designated Players’ who are partially exempt from the MLS salary cap, the wages offered were far less than Gillet is looking for.
“Financially, it was not possible,” he told DH.be.
“The MLS system is complex and contracts are reduced there if you are not one of three [Designated Players].
“If all the ingredients were there, I would not directly close the door. It remains an option. The club knows I am interested, but they also know my salary expectations.”
This could hand the initiative to the Hertfordshire outfit as Quique Sanchez Flores bids to add to his defensive ranks with a move for the four-time title winner.
It has been an excellent start to the season for the Vicarage Road outfit, who currently sit in 11th place in their first season back in the top-flight since 2007.
Next up is a visit of Norwich which could see them move as high as eighth in the table should they pick up three points and result elsewhere go their way.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.
Fancy a flutter? Sign up today to claim up to £50 in free bets.
