Hornets ace set for Wigan

Wigan are hoping to beat Reading to the signature of Watford defender Adrian Mariappa, who is set to leave Vicarage Road.

Watford have been battling to keep hold of the talented defender since January but he looks certain to leave this summer despite the club being taken over by the Pozzo family, who have installed Gianfranco Zola as manager. Mariappa is desperate to play in the Premier League and according to reports Wigan are on the verge of landing the player in a deal worth £2.5million. The Royals are also in the hunt and could make an attempt to snatch him from under Wigan's noses, while Newcastle could also enter the running after failing with a bid in January. Watford are not under as much pressure to cash in on the 25-year-old after the takeover went through and Zola may also try to convince him to stay for another season.