Adalberto Penaranda’s work permit issues have still not been resolved, but head coach Javi Gracia is hopeful that the Venezuelan youngster will receive the necessary paperwork in the future.

The 21-year-old linked up with Watford’s squad for the first time during the summer, having spent last season on loan with Malaga, but hasn’t been able to feature for the Hornets due to issues surrounding his work permit.

Penaranda penned a four-and-a-half year deal at Vicarage Road when he joined from Granada in February 2016, but has spent the last two campaigns on loan with both Udinese and Malaga to not only gain experience, but boost his chances of gaining a work permit.

But those issues are still ongoing and head coach Gracia is keen for a solution to be reached for the 21-year-old Venezuelan international.

The Spaniard said: “I would like to have the solution or to look for the solution for Penaranda because I think he is a good player. He would be a good option for us. What I can tell you in this moment is that we need to wait. Now he is not available but in the future, he will get the papers he needs to stay with us.”

Pushed on whether there was a time limit on Penaranda’s work permit to be resolved, Gracia added: “I don’t know. If I tell you something, I would be lying to you.”