Wes Hoedt missed Watford’s friendly defeat at Gillingham with a “knock” but Tom Cleverley has admitted there is interest in the Hornets captain.

The Player of the Season has been heavily linked with a move to Turkish club Trabzonspor and fans’ concerns that the 30-year-old will soon be leaving Vicarage Road were only fuelled by his absence from the teamsheet for the 2-0 loss at the Priestfield Stadium.

“Wes picked up a knock this week so he’ll rejoin,” said Cleverley. “We didn’t want to risk him today. I understand there’s been speculation but we see Wes a key figure.”

Asked if there was anything in the speculation that he could comment on, Cleverley responded: “My job essentially is to improve the players I have in the building. You always want to keep hold of your best players so we’ll see how that one progresses. It’s normal as a Championship side that your best players attract attention and Wes will be no different.

“I’ll prepare with Wes in my plans until he signs on the dotted line somewhere else.”

Another key player who was expected to be involved in the game, but who was also absent was Giorgi Chakvetadze.

“Again another one who has picked up something through the week,” said Cleverley. “It’s disappointing for me, I’ve not really seen managed to see much of Giorgi since I’ve been in the door.

“I was looking forward to seeing his first minutes of the pre-season today, especially after the great form he showed in the summer tournament, but he’s picked up a little something in the week.”