Watford captain Jay DeMerit could leave the club on a free transfer next summer after the American admitted he did not expect to sign a new deal before the World Cup.

DeMerit's contract runs out at the end of this season and a combination of factors could mean he arrives in South Africa, assuming he is selected for the USA squad, with his future still unclear.

The Hornets are trying to reduce their wage bill and the Watford Observer understands DeMerit is one of the players whose salary does not currently fit in the new structure.

The 29-year-old's exceptional displays during the USA's run to the Confederations Cup final in June saw him receive rave reviews around the world and similar performances next summer could result in offers from bigger clubs.

When asked whether he expected to sign a new deal at Vicarage Road, DeMerit replied: "I do not know.

"We will talk about it at the end of the season, especially as I am still here and there is no ill will between both parties.

"They want me to be here so that relationship is still fine and if they can offer me a package which is good enough for me to stay then I will."

He added: "The sensible answer is to make sure you are fit and available for a new contract and try to make the World Cup squad and once the World Cup is done, we have time to sort out a deal. There is no hurry to sign a new contract, otherwise I would have signed one by now."

DeMerit has made 190 appearances for Watford since joining the club from Northwood in 2004.

But he has not played since August after suffering a groin problem and then a "bizarre" eye injury.

This resulted in DeMerit having revolutionary eye surgery to have a partial cornea replacement, which has halved his recovery time.

The defender is back at Watford's London Colney training ground doing fitness work but due to the drastic changes to his vision, which also included laser correction on his 'good' eye, he needs to 're-train' his eyes.

He said: "The recovery is going good. It is great to be back and running around. The fitness is coming along nicely. With anything, you have to get your fitness back so I have been doing that the last week-and-a-half and after that it will be about re-training the eyes."

It is unclear when DeMerit will be back in first-team action but the American says he is on schedule.

"Surgery meant it was already a bit earlier than expected but the surgeon had said I could be back around this time if all went well, so I am on track," DeMerit said.

"We didn't know if it would be two, three or four months so we are on track and I am able to do bits on the field.

"I have also been doing a lot of things in the gym with little balls bouncing off the walls, judging different angles. Training has been quite fun to do. It is not 100 per cent but I am getting there.

"Hopefully it won't be too long before I feel comfortable to do everything in a game.

"Every week I am doing new things, trying to do heading and then dealing with crosses and it is a matter of when I feel comfortable and fit to do what I need to do.

"It is hard to put a time frame on it. I do not think it should be too long."