Watford fail with €1.5m loan-to-buy bid for 24-year-old.

According to Sabah (via Sport Witness), Watford’s loan-to-buy offer of €1.5 million for Besiktas custodian Ersin Destanoglu was rejected.

Watford are on the lookout for new signings this month as they seek to boost their Championship play-off bid. Few predicted the Hornets’ current status. However, under Tom Cleverley’s leadership, they have exceeded expectations and hope to build on that by reinforcing the ranks during the winter transfer window.

Watford have been given a priority this month: the signing of a new custodian. Daniel Bachmann is out for the long term, and while Jonathan Bond and young players can cover, a replacement is being sought. Ersin Destanoglu, Besiktas’ shot-stopper, has been linked with a move to Vicarage Road, and new details about the chase have emerged. According to Turkish news agency Sabah (via Sport Witness), the Hornets have had a bid rejected for the 24-year-old. However, Besiktas is open to listen to an improved offer, so a deal is still possible. Watford offered €1.5 million (about £1.2 million) on a loan-to-buy deal, but it appears the Turkish giants want more for their backup custodian.1 of 20

More on Destanoglu

Destanoglu, the rumoured Watford target, has spent his entire senior career with Besiktas. He joined the club’s academy in 2013 after previously playing for Bayrampasa. Since then, he has progressed through the ranks and into the first team. At 24, he has 115 appearances for the club, keeping 38 clean sheets in the process. He has been filling in for veteran Meet Gonuk, but his worth is demonstrated by the fact that he frequently captains the team when he starts. Destanoglu may be second choice for now, but he has a lot of good-level experience.

The month ahead

While Watford weigh up whether to return for Destanoglu in their goalkeeper hunt, Tom Cleverley will be out to find form on the pitch.
The Hornets are now eighth in the Championship standings, however they have won none of their last four league games. In their most recent league game, they drew 1-1 with Cardiff City, breaking a three-game losing streak. Next up is a trip to Derby County, followed by games against Preston North End and Coventry City to close off January.

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