Abdoulaye Doucoure has admitted he is ‘going to leave Watford’ amid reports linking the French midfielder with a move to Paris Saint-Germain.
Doucoure, 26, has been a standout performer for the Hornets over the past couple of seasons, and he was named the club’s Player of the Season for 2017/18.
His performances this term have not been up to their usual high standard, and there is a belief that speculation about a move to a bigger club may have gone to his head.
PSG are known admirers of the former Rennes player as Thomas Tuchel chases a new midfielder, but Watford have no intention of selling Doucoure this month – even for the £50million they are believed to want for him.
However, things may change over the coming months as Doucoure has admitted he is planning to leave Vicarage Road should the right club come calling.
“I think I am going to leave Watford,” Doucoure said in an interview with Canal Plus. “The club know my ambitions and want to help me get to the next level.
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“I’m flattered by the interest of PSG but for the moment there’s nothing concrete. I will focus on my performance for my club.
“I’ve not had contact with PSG and they’ve not contacted Watford. My goal is to play well for Watford and then maybe join a Champions League team.
“The chances of me joining PSG? Probably small as they follow a number of players. I’m not the priority that’s for sure but if there is an opportunity then we will look into it. This winter we’ll study all possibilities on offer.
“The most important thing for me is to continue to progress and with my performances I’ll succeed in playing for a club in Europe.
Doucoure's performances in 2018/19
Though Doucoure has not performed at his highest level this season, he remains one of the best midfielders outside the Premier League's big six...
- Appearances: 22
- Goals: 3
- Shots: 35
- Assists: 5
- Keypasses: 24
- Totalpasses: 1163
- Passcompletion: 82.2%
- Dribbles: 20
- Tackles: 47
- Interceptions: 18
- Clearances: 33
“Staying in England is a possibility and the Italian league is becoming more interesting. There are clubs who have returned to show interest in me again. The first criteria for me is that the club plays in the Champions League.”
The potential of Dourcoure leaving Watford but staying in England has been discussed previously, with the likes of Liverpool, Manchester United and Everton believed to have added him to their transfer shortlists.