Rocco Vata’s stance on Watford exit revealed amid Crystal Palace interest
Rocco Vata is not considering a move away from Watford as things stand despite speculation about a move to the Premier League with Crystal Palace.
Both Palace and Fulham are believed to be keeping tabs on the winger, but his recent injury has put paid to any suggestions of a move in the January transfer window.
As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, the 20-year-old is focused on returning to full fitness with Watford and continuing to impress in the Championship before considering a step up to the top tier.
The former Celtic sensation picked up a hamstring injury against Middlesbrough last month and is facing months on the sidelines, ending any speculation over his future.
Meanwhile, Watford are reluctant to lose Vata at any stage in the near future, and have placed a lofty price tag on him amid the growing Premier League interest.
Rocco Vata makes decision about leaving Watford in January
Vata decided to part ways with Celtic in 2024, opting to join Watford on a free transfer despite being very highly-rated by the staff at Parkhead.
Since his move to Vicarage Road, he has earned high praise from supporters, with his performances now beginning to catch the eye of potential suitors.
However, he is not likely to leave Watford just a short time after his move from Glasgow and will see out the rest of the season with the Hornets.
Speaking on the Inside Track podcast, I explained: “There’s no chance he’s going to leave Watford in January.
“He’s out injured until late January so I don’t see any club paying that type of money for Rocco Vata as he just returns from a long-term injury so nothing’s going to happen in January.
“He had a bright start to the season with Watford, there’s no doubt about that, picked up two goals and two assists in ten games as he made a good impact.
“Obviously, the injury has held him back and he’s not expected back until late January at the earliest, so any of the interested clubs will pursue a move.
“Watford have big plans for him, they don’t want to lose him either, he’s under contract until 2028.
“If there is Premier League interest in him, Watford will look to get as much as they possibly can from him.
“I don’t see any move imminent for Vata right now, think the main focus for him is to get him back fit for the second half of season and get him back playing to what he was before the injury.”
Crystal Palace keeping tabs on Vata
Crystal Palace are among a number of Premier League clubs who have been impressed by his displays this season, although they will be made to wait to do a deal.
This comes after Mick Brown told Football Insider that Crystal Palace want to sign the best Championship talent after the success of Eberechi Eze and Michael Olise.
As a result, they will continue to keep tabs on Vata’s situation at Watford and hope he will continue to impress following his return from injury.
Oliver Glasner is determined to bolster his squad amid ongoing issues with the depth behind his starting XI, as concerns about Palace‘s fixture congestion continue to grow.
As a result, Brown told Football Insider last month that Crystal Palace are planning to back Glasner by adding to his squad as they eye another successful season.
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