Watford manager Gianluca Vialli says that talks have begun between Town and the Hornets regarding Wayne Brown's future. Brown has enjoyed a fine spell on loan at Vicarage Road and says he wants to join Vialli's club permanently.

Vialli said: "Next week is crucial because we want to keep him, either permanently or until the end of the season.

"We have started negotiations with Ipswich and he's really enjoying it here.

"He's one of our best players but it depends on the injury situation at Ipswich and whether they want to keep him."

George Burley has repeatedly said he is not about to sell Brown and has had a scout watch all of Brown's games for Watford.

The Town boss may be keeping one eye on next season; were Town to go down then Brown could be a valuable member of Burley's squad.

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