Watford are hopeful of extending the contract of midfielder Tom Cleverley, who has captained the side in Troy Deeney's absence during the start of the season.

The midfielder has two years remaining on his current deal, but the Watford Observer has been told that the club want to extend that further and talks have begun between the two parties.

Deeney's future with the Hornets is still uncertain given that he could move to a Premier League side during the current domestic transfer window, which will close next Friday.

The striker made a brief cameo appearance in the derby victory over Luton Town, but was injured for last weekend's defeat at Reading.

Harrow Times:

Cleverley is seen as a natural leader by head coach Vladimir Ivic, who has been impressed with the former Manchester United man since his arrival.

While Deeney will remain club captain if he stays, the boss feels Cleverley is a more than adequate replacement.

"At this moment, Tom is the captain because Troy is out of the team," said Ivic last week.

“Tom is our captain and I’m sure all the players support him, and the people from the club, because he’s shown his character and all of us know what he can do for the club. He’s a guy who was with us from the first day and worked hard and tried to help me and the other players.”

It is expected that a deal should not take too long to be agreed and could be announced shortly.