Club pull out of Watford deal – Open transfer talks with back-up plan

According to a claim in the Turkish media, Trabzonspor have given up on signing Watford defender Wesley Hoedt.

The Dutchman has been linked with a move to the Super Lig club in recent weeks and they’ve now turned their attention to another central defender.

Haber Anlik report Trabzonspor are now trying to sign Zorya Luhansk’s Arseniy Batagov instead of Hoedt. It’s claimed the Turkish side are in transfer talks to sign the 22-year-old and that they’ve agreed a fee of €2.5m with his club.

Since the arrival of Stefan Savić earlier in the transfer window, Trabzonspor have been looking to bring in a partner for the former Manchester City player. Hoedt was their first choice, but despite four offers from the Turkish side they couldn’t finalise an agreement with Watford.

Hoedt was reportedly keen to sign for the Trabzon club, with claims he’d agreed personal terms with them. There was also concern last week within the Super Lig side’s camp when the defender picked up a knee injury in Watford’s pre-season loss to Wycombe Wanderers.