Over the past few months, with Thomas Tuchel making it clear a new defensive midfielder is needed at Paris Saint-Germain, Abdoulaye Doucouré has been linked with a move to the Parc des Princes.
Various potential fees have been mentioned, with some going up to €40m, as Watford are said to have no intention of selling the 25-year-old in January.
This appears to have been the Hornets’ official stance, who know losing their star midfielder midway through the season could impact what has been a very good campaign so far.
On Tuesday evening, Paris United in France published an article looking at the various options available to their local club, and Doucouré is once again mentioned.
They state that, despite enquiries being made, nothing has moved forward over the past two weeks as Watford still intend to keep hold of the Frenchman in January “unless an offer they can’t refuse is made”.
However, and this is rather important considering Doucouré renewed until 2023 in the summer, the Hornets would be ‘far more open to a sale’ come the end of the season.
This doesn’t particularly help Tuchel, who wants someone before that, but it’s something to think about, because Paris Saint-Germain aren’t the only club interested, with the likes of Tottenham and Arsenal linked in the past.
Perhaps it’s time for Watford fans to start bracing themselves for this being his last season at Vicarage Road.
