The season has barely started, and there’s already a reason to think that Watford have some special interest in scouting a particular club.
Marco Silva’s side had already sent emissaries to watch Porto in the midweek Champions League fixture against Besiktas, and the work was repeated at the weekend.
As reported by O Jogo, Watford scouts were present at Porto’s away league game against Rio Ave on Sunday, making it two scouting trips in five days.
With a 2-1 victory, Porto got their sixth win in six league games this season, and now share the top of the table with rivals Sporting.
Previous claims and possible target
Last month, Portuguese newspaper Diário de Notícias claimed Porto midfielder Hector Herrera had an offer to join Marco Silva at Watford, but the rumour didn’t drag on and there weren’t any updates on the situation.
The 27-year-old midfielder didn’t leave the bench in the game the Hornets scouted against Besiktas. But he did have a chance to start against Rio Ave, and that’s obviously a reason why the emissaries could be watching two matches in a row.
O Jogo claims the Mexican international was a surprise in the starting team, but proved the manager right. He was crucial recovering balls in midfield and did well when controlling the game.
Porto starting the player will certainly have helped Watford’s transfer planning, if the offer claims are correct.
Rumours will grow
Herrera has been linked to a few Premier League clubs for a while now, and with his contract expiring in 2019, it’s likely that the rumours will get bigger in the next summer.
But Portuguese clubs are always tough when negotiating, and since he has a €40m release clause, Watford better prepare their pockets if they’re really going for him.
Others who impressed
There were three other players who deserved attention after their displays, and for those scouting Porto, that’s not exactly news. Yacine Brahimi, Danilo and Moussa Marega had good performances once again, with the latter two scoring the goals.
Both Danilo and Brahimi are the subject of rumours in every transfer market, although it’s been hard for other clubs to take them from Porto, as they also have high release clauses. Marega has just returned from a loan, but if he keeps up this form, he’ll be much wanted next summer as well.
