Watford sporting director Crisitano Giaretta has played down links between the club and Sampdoria's Morten Thorsby.

The Hornets have been heavily linked with the player in recent weeks, with a midfielder still part of their plan for developing the squad.

While reports in Italy over the last couple of weeks claimed that negotiations were ongoing following an offer in the range of €6million, Giaretta has distanced the club from those claims.

Speaking to Sampdoria News, he said the team was nearly finished ahead of the new season but that one more player was still needed.

"We have almost completed the team," he said.

"We are thinking of adding another player. We do not have Thorsby in our sights, there are no negotiations standing, we are looking for an element with different characteristics."