LaLiga side Villarreal open talks to sign Watford midfielder Etienne Capoue as Unai Emery looks to strengthen their side during the January transfer window to boost their Champions League hopes
- Villarreal are in need of a midfielder after a serious injury to Vincente Iborra
- Unai Emery’s side have made Watford’s Etienne Capoue their top target
- The LaLiga side have opened talks over signing the Frenchman in January
Villarreal have opened talks with Watford over a deal for midfielder Etienne Capoue.
The 32-year old is wanted by coach Unai Emery though Watford want around £4million for the Frenchman who has just over two years left on contract.
Villarreal are offering a two and a half year contract to the former Tottenham midfielder who is expected to travel to Spain once the final details on a fee are agreed.
Etienne Capoue could be on his way out of Vicarage Road with LaLiga side Villarreal interested
Villarreal are seeking a replacement for Vincente Iborra who will miss the rest of the season
The LaLiga side have made a bright start to the season and currently sit inside the Champions League spots.
However they are in need of a midfielder following a serious injury sustained to Vincente Iborra.
Capoue has been as a valuable asset at the Championship club, making 11 appearances for them so far this season.
The move would be a boost for Villarreal who lost Iborra who ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament to his left knee against Real Betis on December 13, and has been ruled out for the rest of the season.
Capoue has also had interest previously from Javi Gracia’s Valencia, though a move failed to materialise.
A move to Villarreal would see Capoue work for Unai Emery who has impressed at the club
Villarreal coach Emery has been rebuilding his stock after a failed spell as manager of Arsenal.
They sit fourth in LaLiga, six points behind Atletico Madrid – who they have two games in hand over and are level on points with Real Sociedad.
Barcelona have improved recently however and sit two points behind Villarreal with a game in hand.
Villarreal next face sixth placed Sevilla next up in the league on December 29.
