Watford midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure admits manager Javi Gracia has urged him to stay.

Doucoure has been linked with Liverpool and PSG this season.

But he revealed: "Since last year he always wanted me to stay and told me he wanted to work with me. We spoke a lot about it," he said.

“He is a great manager and a good person who has changed a lot at the club since he came here.

“He knew he couldn't decide whether I stay or the club let me leave but he said he would be very happy if I stayed.

“Even in training he pushes us very hard as players and when we do something wrong he rectifies it straight away. I love his management and he has improved me a lot."

Doucoure continued, “I don't know how long I considered it (leaving) to be honest.

“When you are linked with a big club it is always good and means you are playing well.

“I could go back to France or stay in England but I love to play here in the best league and my family is happy here. We will see in the future.

“I am 25 and could move anywhere in the future, but I want to stay."