Watford will step up their attempts to sign Sunderland midfielder Didier N'Dong this month, according to the print edition of The Sun via the Sky Sports News Paper Talk page.

Didier N'Dong has been a top target for Watford this January but they have recently cooled their interest in Sunderland's defensive midfielder.

However, the Hornets have now found out that central midfielder Will Hughes has suffered an injury setback.

Hughes joined Watford from Derby County in the summer and has performed well when fit - scoring twice in four Premier League starts - but has spent much of the season out injured.

And the 22-year-old is set to spend another month on the sidelines after sustaining an injury to his hamstring.

This has convinced Marco Silva to press ahead with his pursuit of Didier N'Dong so that he has strength in depth in central midfield.

N'Dong has played 21 games for Sunderland this season and was sent off in last weekend's heavy defeat to Cardiff City in the league.

With the Black Cats restricted financially, it is believed that Sunderland will cash in on the Gabon international at the right price.

Watford have been linked with a loan move which includes an obligation to buy clause.

The Verdict

For the right price, Sunderland should sell Didier N'Dong and bring in new players. It is time to start shifting all the deadwood from that Premier League team and while the 23-year-old could be a good player, the truth is that he is not worth his hefty wages. Knowing that Watford are desperate to sign a central midfielder, Sunderland should try to convince them to complete a permanent deal rather than a loan deal and eek out extra money from the transfer fee.

Sunderland fans - Would you sell N'Dong for the right price? Let us know below...