NORDIN WOOTER has been given early permission to try and arrange a transfer. The Dutch winger, whose contract expires next summer, is unlikely to be offered a new deal by the Hornets.

Explained Vialli: "He is not playing a lot and we understand his frustration. He needs to play in order to show someone he would be a good catch. At this stage, with his contract running out at the end of the season, he either needs to renew his contract or move on. In that situation, we try to accommodate players while remaining mindful of our priorities."

Chief executive Tim Shaw did admit the club would be looking for a fee but acknowledged that with the player entitled to a Bosman free transfer at the end of the season, the club would be unlikely to recoup the £950,000 outlay.

Said Shaw: "He is unlikely to be offered a new contract and has been made aware of that fact. So, if he wants to talk to another club and another club wants to talk to him, that is OK by us. The rules would permit him to do so anyway from next month onwards.

"He is not strictly speaking he is on the transfer list. We are not saying we want to sell him between now and the end of June. He may have a role to play."

Meanwhile, Watford have been linked with 24-year-old Scott Wilson, the strapping Rangers central defender.

It is reported in Scotland that he was set to come on loan to Vicarage Road but the change of management at Ibrox has prompted the player to reconsider trying to kick-start his career at another club.

Said Vialli: "We made inquiries and he is certainly a player we are monitoring and keeping an eye on. We have not made a decisive move or a bid. We like him and we will wait and see. Nothing is likely to happen at the moment."

Watford continue to be linked with Nicky Summerbee but Vialli, while admiring the player, has not considered making a

move.

The Hornets will not be signing Marco Lanna. The Italian central defender had two four-day stints with Watford on trial but Vialli decided not to offer him a contract.

December 14, 2001 10:30