Watford remain keen on re-signing Matej Vydra despite the striker claiming he does not want another loan move next season and would like to join a Premier League club permanently if he leaves Udinese.

The Watford Observer first reported the Hornets' wish to bring back their top scorer from 2012/13 two weeks ago and we understand that position has not changed as the club believe the 22-year-old would benefit from another season in the Championship, as well as helping them in their quest to win promotion at the third attempt under the Pozzo family.

Vydra is now waiting to see where his career takes him next after a disappointing season-long loan at West Bromwich Albion ended and, in comments we reported earlier this week, the striker told Czech news agency CTK: “I don’t want another loan spell and to be jumping into a new town year in, year out and getting to know new teammates and other people from the club.

“It takes you months and then it’s almost half of the season gone and you have another half to get some match practice. After all, it’s better to sign a contract somewhere for four or five years. That’s what I have in mind.

“I am an Udinese player but I have spoken to my agent and he says there’s interest in me in England and Germany.

“I said I had wanted to play in the Premier League and I have made that reality. Now I’m keen to stay there.

“The Premier League in England is my priority. Now it depends on whether the clubs reach an agreement and if the Udinese president lets me go.”

Vydra, who was on target in his country’s 2-2 friendly draw with Finland on Wednesday, was a major factor in the Hornets reaching the play-off final last year after scoring 22 goals in 47 appearances.

That helped him secure a new five-year deal with his parent club and a loan switch to the Baggies. However, the forward only netted three times in nine starts and 15 substitute appearances in all competitions for the Premier League side.