“Replacement for Jake Livermore” - Watford told to beat Sunderland and Hull City to midfielder signing | OneFootball

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

Watford are battling Sunderland and Hull City to sign Oliver Norwood after the midfielder was released by Sheffield United.

It was another disappointing campaign for the Hornets on the whole, as they failed to sustain a push for the play-offs.

However, there were reasons for positivity about how the season ended, as former player Tom Cleverley stepped up after Valerien Ismael’s sacking to be the new boss.

And, even though this was his first job, Cleverley settled well, with the team impressing tactically under his guidance, and they picked up some good results, particularly against a few of the better sides in the league.

So, Cleverley was handed the role on a permanent basis, and attention has now turned to the summer window, as the ex-Man Utd man looks to put his own mark on the group.

Watford told to push to sign Oliver Norwood

It could be a busy window for Watford, and it has been claimed that they are among a few Championship clubs looking to sign Norwood.

The former Northern Ireland international has been a key player for the Blades over the years, which includes starring in two promotion wins, but they announced he would be leaving following their relegation to the Championship.

But, Watford won’t have a straight run at the 33-year-old, as it is reported that Sunderland and Hull are also keen on the soon-to-be free agent.

The obvious attraction to Norwood is his experience and quality at this level, and he has four promotions on his CV from the second tier, so he is a proven player.

Cleverley is no doubt keen to change the mentality in the dressing room at Vicarage Road, and there’s no better way of doing that than by bringing in someone who has been there and done it.

And, speaking to FLW, Watford fan pundit Justin Beattie explained that he feels it would be a shrewd addition if Norwood did join.

He said: “I think he started his youth career at Man Utd at the same time as Tom Cleverley which might explain part of why there is a link. Maybe Cleveley wants to put his trust in someone he knows, in quite a key area of the pitch.

“Norwood has had a very good career, a very, very experienced defensive midfielder and possibly been brought in as a replacement for Jake Livermore, who I don’t expect to feature for Watford many more times, if at all.

“On the whole I think it’s quite a positive move. He was in the Premier League last season, so I think it would be a good move for Watford - let’s see what happens!”

Oliver Norwood will have a big decision to make

It seems as though Norwood is going to have a big call to make on his future, and as a free agent, he is in total control of his future.

At 33, he will want to join a club that can give him an immediate chance of promotion, and the length of contract is sure to be another factor.

From a football perspective, Cleverley will need to convince Norwood that he can be an integral part of the side, and you would think that he does have the ability to be a mainstay in the XI next season.