Watford boss would target Mariappa replacement if Newcastle United target leaves (From Watford Observer)

Watford boss would target Mariappa replacement if Newcastle United target leaves

9:20am Friday 27th January 2012 in Sport By Frank Smith

Sean Dyche believes Adrian Mariappa will not leave before the end of the transfer window: Action Images

Sean Dyche has indicated Watford would try to sign a direct replacement for Adrian Mariappa if the defender was sold but insists he doesn’t expect the player to leave before the window closes.

Newcastle United made an offer for Mariappa on Monday but it was immediately rejected by the Hornets, with manager Sean Dyche stating the sum was “miles away” from the club’s valuation.

There were reports a second bid had been submitted yesterday (Thursday) but we understand a follow-up offer had not been made when we went to press.

Dyche said: “Yes I am absolutely expecting him to be here at the end of the window. We always plan for players to be here unless it becomes obviously imminent that a deal is done. But we will have to see what the end of January brings.”

The Watford manager said he would attempt to sign a like-for-like replacement should Mariappa depart but stressed the club’s financial restrictions would make it hard.

Dyche said: “I think it is fair to say the reason why players like Aidy are talked about is because they are in the top end of the Championship market. They are recognised as players that can go beyond the Championship and Watford.

“They are our top players so we need to at least challenge for players who we feel are suitable to replace them.

“Yet again, that is where it is difficult because of the numbers but it is part of our club and it exists for the strength of the financial plan going forward. Without that it would be difficult for Watford to keep moving forward.

“They are the harsh realities and it can be harsh for me, I can assure you, with the Championship market because you know the numbers that are out there.

“But we have a very hard working squad, we need more cutting edge and that is where the market is hard because the real cutting edge players are demanding more.

“That is why our cutting edge players are talked about for such big figures.”

Dyche stressed that Watford’s lack of money means they must be patient in the transfer market and wait for the right opportunities – such as the signings of Michael Kightly and Nyron Nosworthy.

Marvin Sordell is another player who has been linked with other clubs this window but no offer had been made when we went to press.

Dyche did not rule out the possibility of both Sordell and Mariappa leaving in this window, when asked, but he stated it is “absolutely nowhere near that.” and the club were not in a position where they had to sell.