Watford FC facing top-flight competition in goalkeeper pursuit amid Daniel Bachmann blow | OneFootball

Jesse Joronen has been pinpointed as a replacement for the injured Austrian

Watford FC are plotting a move for FC Venezia's experienced goalkeeper, Jesse Joronen.

That is according to a report from Italian journalist, Gianluca Di Marzio on Thursday morning, stating that the 31-year-old Finnish shot-stopper has been identified as a potential replacement for the injured Daniel Bachmann.

The Austrian keeper, who has been one of the Hornets' most reliable performers in recent seasons, including a tally of 11 clean sheets last season, has been ruled out for approximately 10-12 weeks after suffering an ankle ligament injury in the closing stages of the 2-1 defeat against Sheffield United on Saturday.

At present, Jonathan Bond is now the only senior keeper on the books of the Hertfordshire club, meaning Tom Cleverley has had to dip into the market for another strong option between the sticks.

But, they are not the only club targeting a raid for the aforementioned Joronen at this moment in time.

As referenced above, Gianluca Di Marzio has named Vicarage Road as a potential destination for the experienced goalkeeper who has 20 caps for Finland.

However, it is also stated within the fresh revelations that Serie B outfit, Sampdoria, are keen on acquiring the services of Joronen, who is out-of-contract at the Stadio Pier Luigi Penzo at the end of the current campaign.

This comes after Gianluigi Longari revealed on Monday evening that Ligue 1 outfit, Stade Brestois, are interested in striking a deal for the former Fulham, Stevenage and Accrington Stanley man, as well as 'I Blucerchiati', with the hint of a potential swap-deal between Joronen and former Leeds United goalkeeper, Marco Silvestri.

Since signing for Venezia in the summer of 2022 after the club's relegation from the top flight the previous season, Joronen has kept 20 clean sheets for 'I Leoni alati' across 78 appearances, and was a key figure in the club's promotion back to Serie A last term.

However, the Finn has spent a large proportion of this campaign on the substitutes' bench after keeping two clean sheets in the opening seven matches, as well as sustaining a knee issue in late November.

His last competitive appearance came in the previous international break, playing all 90 minutes as Finland were defeated 2-0 by Greece in Helsinki.

Despite suffering a regression in form across recent matches, Watford remain just three points outside the play-offs at this moment in time, so losing the aforementioned Bachmann for such a lengthy period is a huge blow.

However, if they were to strike a deal for Joronen, it would be an astute signing in the short-term at least, especially as his contract situation in Venice could present a cut-price deal.

The shot-stopper proved his abilities in a promotion-winning side in Italy's second tier last term, and with the Hornets' connections to the Mediterranean country, this is surely a factor which the recruitment team in Hertfordshire have taken into account.

Furthermore, if Joronen is able to perform to such a high standard, it provides even stronger competition for Bachmann, who will no doubt be vying for an instant return between the sticks after his absence.