Étienne Capoue’s name has been ‘ringing’ at Valencia for weeks, according to AS.
The 32-year-old’s signing was the ‘express request’ of Javi Gracia, but the La Liga side never bet strongly because of his high salary at Watford, and the Frenchman wasn’t willing to take a pay cut.
The situation has now changed after Los Ches manager convinced both the club and the defensive midfielder over a transfer.
Gracia was key in convincing the Hornets player with his project and also to take a pay cut. However, Valencia president Anil Murthy then continued to deny the possibility of signing Capoue.
The Spanish side started their new campaign with a 4-2 win over Levante on Sunday, and the fixture clearly showed they were lacking a defensive midfielder. This, coupled with Gracia’s comments, has led the club to believe they need to strengthen their midfield.
AS states Gracia’s side are now chasing Capoue and are in ‘full negotiations’ with Watford for his signing. 
Valencia owner Peter Lim, however, has informed Murthy that the club can only make new additions through ‘zero cost’, and the president communicated the same to Gracia on Tuesday.
This would indicate Capoue’s arrival at the Mestalla would only be possible if Watford allow him to join Valencia on a free loan deal.
