Sources: Crystal Palace update on agreeing Rocco Vata deal
Crystal Palace are unlikely to sign Watford star Rocco Vata in the January transfer window as he continues his recovery from a serious injury.
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.
As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, any suggestions that the 20-year-old could move on in January are wide of the mark, although speculation about his future will likely begin again in next summer’s transfer window.
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 for 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.
Rocco Vata to remain at Watford after injury update
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.
Crystal Palace have developed a reputation for signing Championship talent, while Vata was linked to Nottingham Forest in 2024, and their interest has lingered.
However, as he continues his recovery from the hamstring injury sustained last month, no progress is expected to be made towards a deal any time soon.
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.
“Even if there is Premier League interest in him, I don’t see any imminent move for Rocco Vata right now.”
Crystal Palace plan to back Oliver Glasner in January
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.
This comes after Football Insider revealed in August that Glasner was left frustrated at Crystal Palace as a result of their difficult summer transfer window.
Following Palace’s 2-1 defeat to Strasbourg in the Conference League, the boss doubled down on his calls for the club to invest with attacking players high on his radar.
Vata is one name on their radar, but with a deal now unlikely in January, the Eagles will be forced to assess their other options to strengthen the squad.
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