WATFORD hope to have the green light to go ahead with the signing of Moldovan international Serghei Clescenco.

The striker impressed during his three-week stint but insiders at the club were hesitant about committing the Hornets to signing a player who would have to take part in 75 per cent of the club's first team games, particularly considering that the Hornets may be playing in the First Division next season.

"Serghei returned to Moldova and we have to make a decision by the end of this week whether to go in for him or not," Graham Taylor confirmed this week.

But, while the Watford boss would not commit himself, the vibes were optimistic.

"We have had a number of discusssions with Department of Employment to see whether some of their regulations are cast in stone. We now understand there is some leeway and some settling in period taken into account.

"There have been players who have not made 75 per cent of games but still had their permit renewed. Much depends on their maintaining international status. It is not a finite business so we are waiting on a few answers."

Watford are negotiating with the club through the agent with regards to the fee, which was thought to be around £300,000. Taylor would like that trimmed to take into account other considerations such as the signing being among the top five earners.

"Friday is the cut-off day and I understand that because we have had him here three weeks, he is keen to come and I would be very happy to have him in the squad. He would be a good asset for the squad. He is a goalscorer," said Taylor.

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