The Hornets are close to completing the permanent signing of Wigan Athletic midfielder Ben Watson, former Watford manager Malky Mackay has confirmed.

The 29-year-old, who is out of contract in the summer, is having a medical with Watford today ahead of a potential transfer.

Watson has made ten appearances for Wigan since November, when he returned following nine months out with his second leg break in the space of 15 months, but Lactics boss Mackay is allowing him to leave before the end of his contract this summer.

The former Crystal Palace midfielder will forever be remembered by Wigan fans as the man who scored their dramatic winner in the 2013 FA Cup final.

He has been at Wigan for six years; making 133 appearances and scoring 20 goals. There were also loan spells at Queens Park Rangers and West Bromwich Albion during that time.