Industrious Watford midfielder Cristian Battocchio is undertaking pre-season training with fellow Pozzo-owned club Udinese, however, he remains contracted to the Hornets.

The 23-year-old was given extra time off by the Golden Boys after he represented Italy’s Under-21s at this summer’s Under-21 European Championships.

Initially it was believed Battocchio would re-join the Watford squad for training on July 20 but he hasn’t returned to England and Watford today confirmed he is training with the Little Zebras.

While the Argentina-born midfielder remains a Hornets player his future is likely to lie away from Vicarage Road, especially as he spent last season on loan at Virtus Entella who suffered relegation from Serie B.

Battocchio joined the Golden Boys on loan from Udinese in 2012 and made 16 starts and nine substitute outings during his first year in Hertfordshire, scoring twice.

Battocchio’s importance increased during his second season at Watford, with Almen Abdi ruled out for most of the campaign due to injury. He made 41 appearances during the 2013/2014 campaign, which included 27 starts and five goals.