This article is part of Football League World’s ‘The Verdict’ series, which provides personal opinions from the FLW writers regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

Watford may be about bolster their defensive options by swooping for Fulham defender Joe Bryan this month.

According to Sky Sports, the Hornets are reportedly weighing up a bid for the 26-year-old as they look to find a solution to their recent injury woes.

Daryl Janmaat, Sebastian Prodl, Kiko Femenia, Jose Holebas and Craig Cathcart are all currently sidelined due to their respective issues.

Bryan, who joined Fulham in 2018 for £6m from Bristol City, made 28 appearances in the Premier League last season as his side were relegated to the second-tier.

An ever-present for the Cottagers during the current campaign, the defender has made notable strides in terms of his development under the guidance of manager Scott Parker.

Given that Watford are facing a battle for survival this year, it will be intriguing to see whether they opt to make a move for Bryan in the coming weeks.

So would this be a good signing for the Hornets and should Fulham cash in?

We discuss...

Dean Cooke

"It would be an okay signing for Watford.

“From what was seen last year, Bryan didn't actually look like he had the quality to play in the Premier League throughout the appearances that he made in the division.

"If Fulham could get a decent sum for the left-back then there is no reason whatsoever why they shouldn't cash in on the full-back.

“He's good going forward, but he's still defensively vulnerable even in the Championship, let alone the Premier League.

"What he would have at Watford is a manager who knows how to get the best out of defensive players, and that could help Bryan improve in the future and become a good player for the Hornets.

"He's not one who is outstanding for Fulham, and if they can get more than what they paid for him, the Cottagers should cash in."

Louie Chandler

“I think this would be a very smart signing for the Hornets.

“Bryan had a tricky start to life at Craven Cottage in the Premier League but I think he has proven this season that he has what it takes to play above Championship level.

“He is the sort of intelligent full-back Watford have been crying out for for years now - solid in defence and very useful in attack as well.

“However, I think Fulham would be mad to cash in at this stage.

“They are still in with a chance of promotion and selling one of their biggest stars would be a near admission of defeat.”

Can you get 15 out of 15 on this Championship-based quiz? Have a go now!

 Liam Drury

“The Fulham left-back has a year of top-flight experience under his belt and he could be a good signing for Watford if they were to make a move for the defender across the next few weeks.

“Being Fulham's first choice left-back, Watford may find themselves having to dip into their pockets slightly if they were to prise the former Bristol City academy graduate away from Craven Cottage.

“Bryan has a good engine down the left-hand side, is more than capable in attacking situations and can defend astutely when one-on-one with opposition attackers.

“With the defender now in the prime of his career and of interest to a Premier League club, Fulham could benefit from letting their star defender go to Watford and reinvesting the money back into the squad.”

 Josh Cole

“If Watford can get a deal over the line between now and the end of the January transfer window for Bryan, it could turn out to be somewhat of a coup by Nigel Pearson’s side.

“An ever-present in Fulham’s side this season, the full-back has helped the club move up to fifth in the Championship standings by producing a number of impressive displays.

“As well as being able to read the game in a defensive sense, Bryan has offered a threat going forward in recent months which has resulted in him providing five direct goal contributions in all competitions.

“When you consider that Watford are currently having to cope with an injury crisis, the defender could add some much-needed cover at the back for the club as they look to retain their Premier League status for another season.”