Javi Gracia believes Abdoulaye Doucuoure will remain with Watford until the end of the season, with the Hornets ruling out selling one of their prized assets in January.

The midfielder, who scored his third goal of the month to earn a 1-1 draw against Newcastle United on Saturday, has been heavily linked with a move to Paris Saint-Germain when the transfer window reopens.

However, the Mirror is reporting the 25-year-old will not be leaving Vicarage Road next month at any price and we also understand that is the case.

Speaking after Saturday’s draw, Gracia said: “There is nothing different. It is the same as last season. At this moment Doucuoure is my player and I think he will stay with me until the end of the season.”

Doucoure was extensively linked with a move last season, but the £50million-rated player signed a new five-year deal on the eve of the current campaign and had been a league ever-present until he started on the bench against the Magpies.

Adrian Mariappa was asked about the speculation after the game and said: “All that stuff’s not up to me but it’s a good sign when your players are being touted and other clubs are interested in them. It shows that they’re doing well and the team’s doing well.

“Obviously, as a teammate, I want to still see him at Watford and that’s all there is to it.”