Kiko Femenia’s desire to live and play in Spain has been the decisive factor as he is set to complete a move to Villareal for a nominal fee – and the Hornets are poised to finalise a deal that sees the highly experienced Mario Gaspar join on a free transfer.

Femenia missed the trip to Austria and much of pre-season as he returned home to Spain to attend to some family issues.

He was back last weekend but limped off after just 23 minutes of the friendly with Wycombe Wanderers after sustaining a muscle strain.

Lat season Femenia only started 26 of Watford’s 38 Premier League games, and I understand concerns around his ability to sustain a 46-game season coupled with his desire to head back to Spain led to the club beginning to look for a replacement.

That brought 31-year-old Gaspar into the picture. The right-sided defender has spent his whole career at Villareal, making more than 425 appearances. He has played at right back and right wing-back and, crucially for head coach Rob Edwards, is very much an on-pitch leader and highly respected senior professional.

Gaspar is due to arrive tomorrow to complete the transfer and undergo his medical, with the aim of joining up with the squad on Monday.

“We want to show respect for Kiko to prefer to work in Spain and be closer to his family,” said Watford’s sporting director Cristiano Giaretta.

"We didn't want Kiko to leave but it is clear it is a sensible decision, now that we already have a solution ready for the club."

Femenia joined Watford from Alaves in July 2017 and went on to make 151 appearances, scoring twice.

As well as being a very experienced player, Gaspar has also captained Villareal and was part of the team when they won the Europa League in 2021. Gaspar came on as sub late in normal time, and then scored Villareal’s ninth penalty as they beat Manchester United 11-10 on spot kicks.

He also has three caps for Spain, scoring twice including an overhead kick in a 2-0 victory against England – a goal that was nominated for the FIFA Puskas Award.

Last season Gaspar fell down the pecking order under former Arsenal manager Unai Emery, who preferred Serge Aurier and Juan Foyth.