Watford: Tom Cleverley provides Yaser Asprilla, Wesley Hoedt update ahead of Stoke City clash | OneFootball

Tom Cleverley has discussed the availability of Yaser Asprilla and Wesley Hoedt amid speculation over their Watford futures

Watford boss Tom Cleverley has provided an update on Yaser Asprilla and Wesley Hoedt ahead of their Championship clash against Stoke City on Saturday.

Both players have been the subject of transfer interest during this summer, but are currently still with the Hornets.

French club Rennes had a fee worth £25 million agreed with Watford, but an expiry date in the deal has passed without the transfer being finalised, according to The Athletic.

Meanwhile, Hoedt has been linked with a move to Turkish side Trabzonspor by Dirilis Postasi, but a deal has yet to be completed with only a couple of weeks remaining in the window.

The duo were not involved for Cleverley’s side for their opening league clash against Millwall last weekend or their 5-0 midweek EFL Cup first round win over MK Dons.

Tom Cleverley provides Asprilla and Hoedt update

Cleverley has provided an update on Asprilla and Hoedt’s availability amid the speculation over their future at Watford.

The 35-year-old has confirmed that Asprilla is back in training, but Hoedt will not be back in action for at least another week.

“Asprilla is in training, but will sit down and talk to him so I can assess his frame of mind,” said Cleverley, via Andrew French on Twitter.

“Wes should be available in a week or so.

“Rumours on both, but still our players.

“Tom Dele-Bashiru is fine after coming off the other night.”

Asprilla was a key part of the first-team squad last season, featuring in 44 of their 46 league games, including 28 starts (all stats from Fbref).

The Colombian contributed six goals and eight assists, with the Hornets coming 15th in the Championship table.

He has grown in importance to the side since joining the club in January 2022 and will be a key part of Cleverley’s plans if he stays beyond the summer.

Meanwhile, Hoedt played 44 times last year but has a contract that is set to expire next year, which puts some pressure on Watford to cash in on him now or else lose him for nothing in 2025.

Watford’s 2024 summer transfer activity

Watford have already sold a key player from last year in Ismael Koné, with the midfielder joining French giants Marseille.

According to The Athletic, a fee in the region of £15 million was agreed between the two clubs.

The Championship side have made signings of their own too, bringing in the likes of Rocco Vata, Kayky Almeida and Mamadou Doumbia.

Asprilla staying would be great for Cleverley

There has been a lot of negativity surrounding Watford this summer, so losing Asprilla would have only added to that.

But if they can hold onto him, then he can play a key role in Cleverley’s side, as they look to compete as high up the Championship table as possible.

However, the situation surrounding Hoedt is less certain, and a sale would likely be preferable at this stage due to his contract expiring next year.