Watford among four clubs chasing Greek defender Thanasis Androutsos

Championship-bound Watford are in a four-way tussle for the signature of Greek defender Thanasis Androutsos from Olypicacos this summer.

Spanish side Elche and Italian outfit Monza are also both keen on the defender according to sources contacted by 101, while Turkish outfit Trabzonspor are thought to hold an interest also.

Watford among four clubs chasing Greek defender Thanasis Androutsos

Thanasis Androutsos of Greece in action during the international friendly match between Norway and Greece at Estadio La Rosaleda on June 6, 2021 in Malaga, Spain. (Photo by Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

The 25-year-old Greek international defender, who plays predominantly as a right-back but can also play in midfield if required, is out of contract in 2023, meaning that this is the last summer that Olympiacos will be able to bring in any sort of fee for him.

All told, he has racked up 27 appearances this campaign, totalling just over 1500 minutes, including two substitute appearances in the Europa League. He has also been capped 10 times by Greece since his debut in 2018, though he was not in the squad for their most recent international friendlies against Romania and Montenegro.

And as a result of his contract situation and having fallen out of favour at Olympiacos, Androutsos could be available at a cut price, with transfermarkt valuing the defender at just under £1,5m.

Will Watford win the race?

At the moment, just who is leading the race for his signature is unclear, but having fallen into the Chamnpionship, the Hornets are looking to rebuild.

And, with Jeremy Ngakia having failed to push on and Kiko Femenia now 31 years old, there could be a chance to bolster their ranks with the addition of Androutsos, as the London club look to once again bounce back up to the Premier League at the first time of asking.