The agency representing Manchester City Joe Hart refused to comment when approached over the unlikely transfer by the Watford Observer.

The 30-year-old, who is out of favour at the Etihad Stadium and likely to leave the Citizens this summer, has seen his name crop up alongside that of Watford's this week, as well as a number of other clubs, but a number of stumbling blocks make the move unlikely.

Any transfer would require a significant wage drop for the England stopper, whose £125,000-a-week deal at City is around treble that of Hornets top-earner Troy Deeney's salary, the largest at Vicarage Road.

In addition, having won two Premier League trophies at the Etihad and once touted as among the best young goalkeepers in Europe, Hart may have grander desires than a move to Hertfordshire in what is a pivotal move for his stalling career.

The Watford Observer contacted Hart's agency, Stellar Football, but they refused to comment on the rumours linking him with Watford.

Hart has made 302 Premier League appearances since moving to Eastlands from Shrewsbury Town in 2006, as well as earning 71 England caps.

He spent last season in Serie A with Torino with new City boss Pep Guardiola favouring Claudio Bravo and Willy Caballero as his goalkeeping options.