Watford join Middlesbrough in race to sign Premier League player.
Watford will fight with Middlesbrough for the signing of Mark Travers from Bournemouth in January.
According to Talksport’s Alex Crook, the Hornets aim to add the goalkeeper to Tom Cleverley’s first-team roster before the February 3 deadline.
This season, Daniel Bachmann has been the club’s first choice goalkeeper. However, due to an ankle ligament injury, Jonathan Bond is now the primary backup in the squad.
The hunt for a replacement goalkeeper at Vicarage Road might be a key aspect of their business this winter, with the Austrian expected to be sidelined for an extended period.
| Mark Travers – Bournemouth league goals conceded and appearances (per Fbref.com) | ||||
| Season | Appearances (Start) | Goals Conceded (Clean Sheets) | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018-19 | 2 | 5 (1) | ||
| 2019-20 | 1 | 3 (0) | ||
| 2020-21 | 1 | 2 (0) | ||
| 2021-22 | 45 | 39 (20) | ||
| 2022-23 | 12 (11) | 32 (2) | ||
| 2023-24 | 4 | 5 (2) | ||
| 2024-25 | 4 | 3 (1) | ||
| As of 10th January | ||||
Watford join Mark Travers transfer battle
Travers is reportedly a potential transfer target for Watford in January.
However, they have opposition from other clubs in the Championship, notably promotion rivals Middlesbrough.
According to Pete O’Rourke, Michael Carrick’s team is looking to sign the Ireland international on loan.
However, it remains to be seen who the favorites are in the competition to recruit him, as no decision on his future is expected soon.
Bournemouth will likely wait until after their midweek Premier League match against Chelsea before making any transfer decisions.
Kepa Arrizabalaga has proven to be Andoni Iraola’s first option this season, but he will be unable to face the Blues on January 14, thus Travers will be required.
Watford and Middlesbrough’s Promotion Battle
Travers’ January transfer might impact the race for a top six position, as both Watford and Middlesbrough are vying for a play-off spot.
The two teams are now separated by only four points, with Cleverley’s side sitting tenth in the Championship standings.
The Teesside outfit sits fifth, despite having played one more game than Watford at this point in the season.
Watford were ousted from the FA Cup on Thursday night after losing 4-1 to Fulham, so their whole attention will now be on finishing in the top six of the league.
Travers would be a fantastic addition for Watford.
Bachmann has held his own for Watford in the Championship, but the club’s goalkeeping alternatives are limited.
If Cleverley can get an experienced shot-stopper like Travers on board, he will be an excellent addition to his team.
The 25-year-old has made four Premier League outings this season and has performed admirably on each occasion.
However, if he is prepared to move down to the Championship, where he helped the Cherries earn promotion in 2022, this would be an excellent acquisition for the Hornets.
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