The Rumour Mill - Part 2

While the distraction of the World Cup may well be keeping many Watford fans happy, for those seeking pre-season arrivals to bolster Aidy Boothroyd`s squad, the summer so far is not proving to be so fruitful. Indeed, with many players away on international duty in Germany, and the fact that Watford were forced to wait until late May for Premiership status to be achieved, it would seem that transfer moves so far have been rather limited.

One player that the club seems determined to land, remains West Brom left back Paul Robinson. The fiery defender, an extremely popular figure at Vicarage Road having spent seven seasons at the club before leaving in 2003, was the subject of a second bid this week, reportedly in the region of £1.4 million. But West Brom manager, Bryan Robson, seems keen to hold on to a player once touted as a potential international, and the club have rejected the offer. 'He's a big part of the team, and a player I need to keep in the squad for next season if we're going to challenge for promotion,' stated Robson.

Having missed out on the signing of Preston defender Claude Davis, who joined Sheffield United, Boothroyd has turned his attention to Charlton`s out of contract centre back,Chris Perry, and Sam Sodje, who impressed for Brentford last season. "My contract has a year to go, but one or two clubs are interested in me, and Brentford might welcome the fee," said Sodje. With the big Nigerian attracting the interest of several other clubs, Watford may have to move quickly to get their man.

The Hornet`s hopes of landing exciting young Manchester United striker Guiseppe Rossi in a loan deal seem to rest on the shoulders of Spanish international Fernando Torres. If the Atlético Madrid striker can complete his proposed multi-million pound move to Old Trafford, it would reportedly clear the way for Rossi, who has scored 4 goals in his 12 appearances for the club, to join Watford in a similar deal to Ben Foster`s loan last season.

Meanwhile Watford have also been alerted to the availability of South Korean attacker, Seol Ki-Hyeon, currently representing his country in Germany. The 27 year-old Wolves winger cum striker is eager to move to the top-flight. 'At this stage I'm frustrated not to be in the Premiership, and a few teams are interested in me and are talking to Wolves. I think there will be some good news after the World Cup.'

Reports in Scotland have indicated that Watford have expressed an interest in Celtic duo Charlie Mulgrew and Adam Virgo . Mulgrew, aged 23, is a left sided player and impressed while on loan at Dundee United last season. The Hoops signed Virgo last summer from Brighton, but the 23 year-old utility man has struggled to break into the first team, and looks set to be heading back to England this summer.

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