Watford are keen on keeping hold of Joel Ekstrand reveals manager Quique Sanchez Flores.

Ekstrand has not featured at all for Watford this season after being ruled out for over a year with a serious knee injury but as a boost, the Swedish international is now close to making a return to full fitness.

Vicarage Road boss Flores has not seen Ekstrand play for Watford under his reign but has stated that he would like to offer the defender a new contract, with Sampdoria and Malaga expressing their interest in the 27-year-old.

Flores said: "The club is working on Ekstrand's contract. He has experience and will be a big player for our organised defence."