Crystal Palace have reportedly entered the chase for promising Watford forward Rocco Vata, with the Daily Mail claiming the club are closely monitoring his progress. The 20-year-old is viewed as one of the Championship’s standout young attackers, and Palace are weighing up whether to move for him next summer, though waiting could invite stronger competition.
The Eagles have built a reputation for spotting value in the second tier, turning signings such as Michael Olise and Eberechi Eze into major profit after their sales to Bayern Munich and Arsenal. Adam Wharton has followed a similar path since arriving from Blackburn, quickly becoming one of the Premier League’s most impressive midfielders and attracting interest from elite clubs.
Vata is seen as the next potential project. Despite scoring only seven senior goals so far, his attributes have caught Palace’s eye, and their recruitment team believe he has the ceiling to follow the mould of their previous success stories. Watford value the Republic of Ireland youth international at around £20 million, and Fulham are also thought to be tracking him.
Vata has contributed two goals and two assists in 10 Championship matches this season, creating multiple big chances and delivering steady performances for the Hornets. Having developed at Celtic before joining Watford last year, he is progressing well, but the Hertfordshire club face a battle to keep him beyond the end of the campaign.