Javi Gracia admitted he does not know if Abdoulaye Doucoure will remain at Watford amid interest from the Premier League’s top sides.

Doucoure has made no attempt to distance himself from talk linking him with Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool in recent weeks, repeatedly speaking to French media on the subject of his future.

With Manchester United now reportedly joining the race for Watford’s star player this season, all roads look to be leading towards the Vicarage Road exit.

Watford have offered the midfielder a new deal, which is yet to be signed, and while Gracia is hopeful they will retain Doucoure’s services, he is unsure what the future holds.

“I think he is very happy with the team, the supporters and the club,” Gracia said. “I do not know what will happen in the future. If he will sign a new contract, if he will stay with us a long time I do not know.”

Doucoure’s focus will be tested on Sunday when he comes up against one of the sides said to be courting him in Arsenal.

However, the France midfielder’s performance levels have shown little sign in dropping off since he first went public with interest from the Premier League big boys.

He has been the driving force in Watford’s midfield throughout the season – scoring seven goals in the process – and Gracia has been pleased with the 25-year-old.

The Watford head coach praised Doucoure’s work-rate and was pleased with his performance in Saturday’s 1-0 win over West Brom.

“In the last game we recovered more balls in midfield and players like Doucoure are important because he runs long distances in matches,” he said.

“He has a very good attitude and helps the team all the time with a good mentality and a good attitude.”

Doucoure may be impressing at the heart of Watford’s midfield and has developed considerably since initially struggling to establish himself in the Premier League.

Gracia believes there is still plenty of room for Doucoure to develop as a player and says he is working closely with the Hornets’ number 16.

He said: “I think he is a very good player and he can do better. I try to explain to him many things where he can improve, but in this moment and this season he is a very good player.”