Watford director sends Everton and Barcelona transfer message over £43m hotshot

Everton and Barcelona have been sent an update by Watford sporting director Gianluca Nani over the future of talented winger Yaser Asprilla.

The Toffees were reported to have made a last-minute attempt to sign the 20-year-old at the end of the January transfer market but couldn't offer a fee that could tempt Watford to let go of the star. Asprilla's versatility in his ability to play on the flank or through the middle is said to have tempted Sean Dyche, with Everton enquiring about the possibility of a loan deal with an obligation to buy.

Sporting Lisbon were also linked with the Colombian international, who is under contract in North London until 2026. Asprilla has six goals and six assists in 41 Championship appearances this season, standing out in a somewhat lacklustre campaign for the Hornets.

Since January, The Sun has also linked Barcelona with a surprise transfer move for the player, whose best years are certainly ahead of him. That report suggested that Watford would listen to offers but valued their player between £34 and £43 million.

Now, Nani has spoken out about the player's future at Vicarage Road, trying to bat away rumours but not ruling out the possibility of a summer transfer. Asked about a summer move, he told TuttoMercatoWeb: “In the meantime, I want to see him on the pitch with us as focused as ever. The summer is long and he is certainly a monitored player. But today the boy just has to think about playing with us, as he is doing, like so many others."

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Asprilla joined Watford in 2022 from Colombian side Envigado and broke into the side last season. He has already been capped four times by his national side, scoring twice in those appearances.