Watford to land Europa League winner as Rob Edwards’ side prepare for the new season

Watford are reportedly poised to land defender Mario Gaspar from Villarreal.

The full-back is set to leave his current club for the first time in his career.

He is due to arrive tomorrow to ‘complete the transfer’ and his medical, according to a report by the Watford Observer.

The Hornets right-back Kiko Femenia is heading the other way to the Estadio de la Cerámica.

New addition on the way for Watford

Watford are preparing for their return to the Championship and are aiming for an immediate promotion under new boss Rob Edwards.

Gaspar is an experienced player who has racked up 425 appearances in his career to date and he will strengthen their defensive department.

He rose up through the youth ranks at Villarreal before breaking into their first-team during the 2010/11 season.

The Spain international saw his game time dry up last term but was part of Unai Emery’s side who won the Europa League.

Gaspar’s contract expires next year but he is leaving prematurely now to pursue a new challenge with Watford.

Other news

In other news, the Hornets have named Tom Cleverley as their new captain.

Edwards has explained the decision:

“Tom is everything you want in a man - both as a professional footballer on the pitch and as a human being off the pitch.

“He has huge respect within our group of players and staff, and that stems from the way he conducts himself every single day.”