Hornets leading Thorvaldsson chase?
Feb 16, 2006
Author: Iceman

Thorvaldsson to follow in Helguson's footsteps?

Gunnar Heidar Thorvaldsson's stint in Sweden could soon be over should a proposed move to Watford go through in the summer, Fréttablaðið have revealed. The 23 year old striker has been wanting to leave Halmstad ever since last season ended in Sweden and has rejected any offers of an extension. "Yes it's true, Watford are among a host of clubs which monitored Thorvaldsson last season, and his exploits in the UEFA cup did his chances no harm", said Swedish agent Peter Mörk. Thorvaldsson netted 25 goals in 38 games in all competitions, including 16 goals in the league in only 16 starts and 3 goals in 5 UEFA Cup games.

The talented striker, who World Soccer Magazine nominated as one of the most promising strikers in European football last year, has been linked with a host of clubs during the last few months, including Everton, Hamburg, PSV and Celtic. However, an injury in October spurned any chances of a move to a bigger league in the January transfer window. After scoring in both legs against Sporting Lisbon in the UEFA Cup last season Thorvaldsson was tipped for a move away from Sweden, but the injury damaged all hopes of that. "It was an ankle injury and Gunnar had to lay back for a while, and was therefore out of the contention in the January window lottery, but he is determined to move in the summer." said Mörk. Thorvaldsson's contract runs out in October and the player will therefore be available at a bargain price in the summer.

Thorvaldsson's other agent, Icelander Olafur Gardarson has held talks with Watford with the approval of Halmstad, who are looking to sell the player at a decent price in the summer. Halmstad's chairman wished not to comment on the story, but said that Thorvaldsson will not play the whole season in Sweden. The 23 year old is reportedly excited at the prospect of joining Watford where one of his idols Heidar Helguson played succesfully for five years.

Fréttablaðið is Iceland's leading daily newspaper, and the Icelandic media are renowned for having close contact with players from their country. Whilst this could be an attempt by Thorvaldsson's agents to stir up interest in the player, it would appear that Watford's interest is genuine. The capture of Thorvaldsson would be a major coup for Watford as they seek to put together a squad capable of gaining promotion to the Premiership and staying there.