Adrian Mariappa is expected to follow in Lloyd Doyley’s footsteps by signing a new contract extension at Watford early next week.

Mariappa had expressed his desire to commit himself to Watford but there was speculation the 22-year-old was attracting the attention of a host of other clubs.

But negotiations with Mariappa have been on-going and Watford believe they have agreed terms with the defender and that he will sign a two-year extension as early as Monday.

Fellow Academy graduate Doyley, whose contract was also up in the summer, this week signed a three-year deal.