Watford head coach Javi Gracia is close to agreeing a contract extension with the Vicarage Road club.

The Spaniard and his representatives have been in talks with the club over the past few weeks and an announcement is expected soon, the Telegraph reports.

Having initially put pen to paper on a 18-month contract in January, Gracia has impressed the Watford heriecahy.

The 48-year-old led the Hornets to five straight wins in all competitions at the start of the season - a run of form which had Watford battling it out in the top four of the Premier League - and has created a positive atmosphere among his squad.

While results have dropped off in recent weeks and Watford haven’t won any of their last four league games, Gracia retains the confidence of the board.

The firefighting job he performed last season by keeping Watford in the top flight has also earned him credit, especially considering the difficulties he inherited from Marco Silva’s ill-fated reign.

He took over with Watford on a run of one win in 11 and facing a battle to stay up in the second half of the campaign.

Watford are said to be offering him a three-year deal, which represents a strong show of faith from a club which is not shy in changing head coach.

Gracia is the 10th man to lead the club in the last six-ears and each of the last three have lasted a season or less at the helm.

With Watford ninth in the table and players enjoying life under Gracia, the club is thought to be keen to add long-term continuity to their set-up.

Players have responded well to Gracia’s methods and many have cited the extra focus on fitness as a key element to their early season form.

Having the same head coach in charge from last term into pre-season has also helped the Hornets develop a clear identity, with Gracia’s pressing style a hallmark of his approach.

Gracia has been coy when quizzed on his future in recent weeks, but is settled in England having moved his young family over from Spain.