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Achraf Lazaar was left out of Steve Bruce’s plans at Newcastle United this season and after making only one appearance in the EFL Cup, the Magpies allowed him to leave the club in February.

The left-back and the Tyneside club mutually agreed to terminate the contract and this allowed Watford to swoop in for him last month.

He was offered a contract until the end of the season and Xisco Muñoz has used him on three occasions in the Championship.

Cristiano Giaretta, the Hornets sporting director, gave his take on the Moroccan defender and another left-back, Adam Masina, during an interview with TuttoMercatoWeb.

“After the injury at the start of the season, Masina has returned from December in a great way. He is doing very well,” the Italian said.

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“We took Lazaar as an alternative, he is paying for Adam’s confirmation, but he showed us that it was an important choice: the player is there, he just needs continuity.”

When further pressed whether the former Newcastle man can continue at Vicarage Road after this season, Giaretta explained: “We have eight games, we must not make mistakes and think of anything else [other] than [what happens on] the pitch.

“Every decision is postponed to the end of the season. We have created a very good position that we must improve. Maximum concentration, head down and on the pedal.”

Giaretta’s comments hint the English club’s future plans will depend on where they will play [Premier League or Championship] next season.

Watford are second in the table with 75 points and are six points ahead of third placed Swansea City, who have a game in hand.