Beppe Sannino says he is “deaf” to reports in Italy which have linked Cristian Battocchio with a loan move away from the Hornets.

The Italian Under-21 international has made 19 appearances for the Golden Boys this season but the majority of those have been as a substitute.

Italian sides Padua and Novara are two clubs supposedly interested in the midfielder but Sannino is happy to have the 21-year-old at Watford.

“I am deaf,” Sannino responded through an interpreter when asked about the reports yesterday.

“I have watched Battocchio training for us today and working for Watford. At the moment he is playing here and I am happy with that. He may play tomorrow, I don’t know yet.”