Hornets hunt Healy on loan

Those speculation hungry sports hacks at the Sunday Mirror reckon Watford are in the hunt to sign Sunderland striker David Healy on loan - but face stiff competition for his signature.

The Northern Ireland hitman, who has been out cold with injury in the Wearside wilderness since signing from F`lem last summer, is reportedly on Malky Mackay`s list of targets for when the emergency loan window opens... but the Braveheart Watford boss won`t have it all his own way.

Oh no, the Sunday Mirror have the Black Cat`s bitter rivals, Newcastle, as likely leading candidates whilst his old Sunderland gaffer, Roy Keane, wants to take Healy to Portman Road also, apparently.

Healy has publicly insisted he`d rather stay on at the Stadium of Light and fight for his place with 2 years left on his contract but with Steve Bruce bolstering his frontline through the arrival of Darren Bent, opportunities will surely be limited for the former Leeds and PNE hotshot.

Let`s not forget that the Hornets were reportedly after Healy about 3 seasons ago and were even ready to splash £2m to sign him from Leeds, only for the player to prefer the delights of West London and the luxuries on offer at Craven Cottage.

With 91 career goals in 256 starts, Healy`s league stats talk volumes for ability in front of goal and the VitalWatford boys can`t help but think the signing of the former Man Utd trainee - to play alongside Heider or Danny 'Golden` Graham - would be a wonderful addition to the Hornet ranks...

Hell, even teaming Healy up with his former Preston striking partner, Richard Cresswell - a dangerous duo that produced over 100 goals in 4 years at Deepdale - could also be a considered a shrewd move by the Watford board (if they can convince the pair to be reunited on loan).

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