Javi Gracia is not surprised other clubs are keen to sign Abdoulaye Doucoure and has admitted the Watford midfielder’s future is ultimately out of his hands.

The 25-year-old is reported to have been the subject of firm interest from French giants Paris Saint-Germain, while former Hornets boss Marco Silva is also a known admirer of the player and could try and take him to Everton.

The head coach is used to fielding questions about one of the Hornets prized assets, who was linked with the likes of Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur last season and into the summer before he signed a new five-year deal on the eve of the current campaign.

He said: “For me Doucoure is a great player, a very important player for us. It doesn’t surprise me other clubs want to sign him because he’s a very good player.

“In this moment he’s playing for us and I tried to help him to improve his level thinking he’s going to be with us for a long time.”

When it was observed the interest was a compliment to Gracia, the player and Watford as well, he responded: “For me it’s important and the club know it and the owner as well, but after that they decide what is better for the club and sometimes some players, like last season happened with Richarlison, then maybe something happens you don’t want.”