Stefano Okaka has not completed a loan move to Udinese, the Watford Observer understands.

Some Italian outlets have reported overnight that the 29-year-old Watford striker had completed the switch to the fellow Pozzo family-owned club, with an option to make the move permanent, but we have been told this is not the case at the moment.

However, Okaka’s departure during the January window would not be a surprise, given he has made only three substitute appearances in all competitions this season and has frequently been linked with a move away from Vicarage Road.

The forward has not played in Italy since leaving Sampdoria for Anderlecht in 2015 before moving on from the Belgian club to join the Hornets the following year.

Okaka has scored five goals during a total of 39 appearances in all competitions and if he does leave, it would free up another place in the Hornets’ 25-man Premier League squad with Marvin Zeegelaar also poised to move to the Serie A club.