WATFORD FIGHT TO WIN DEUL

WATFORD head coach Javi Gracia wants to turn winger Gerard Deulofeu’s loan spell from Barcelona into a permanent move.

The Spanish international has a £23million release clause in his contract at the Nou Camp – and the Hornets are keen to exploit it.

Former Everton starlet Deulofeu (above), out for two months since he suffered a stress fracture in his foot against his old club in February, has an outside chance of facing Tottenham at Wembley on Monday night.

But Gracia had already seen enough from Deulofeu’s four appearances at

Vicarage Road to know he wanted the player on a longer-term basis.

He confirmed: “I would like the option to sign this player for Watford.

“I don’t know if we will be able to make it happen or not, but Gerard has high quality and I would like him to stay with us in the future.”

Skipper Troy Deeney has surprised Watford with a rapid recovery from an ankle injury which left him in a surgical boot just six days ago.

The club’s talisman feared his campaign could be over when he limped away from the 0-0 draw with Crystal Palace last weekend.

But Deeney has made such startling progress that he could be fit to lead the side against Spurs.

And Gracia is relieved to have his captain back in contention because injured Italian Stefano Okaka will not play again this season.

He said: “Troy had a problem with his ankle in the last game and usually it is not a good sign when you have to wear a protective boot.

“But Troy is Troy – today is the first time he has been able to train with the team this week and we hope he will be available on Monday.”