Watford goalkeeper Nathan Baxter is in advanced talks to make a permanent move to Leyton Orient in League One. The goalkeeper, who largely deputised for Egil Selvik last season, has told the Hornets he wants to play regular football.

What happened?

Nathan Baxter featured eight times after signing on a free transfer from Bolton Wanderers last summer, including in wins against Hull City, Derby County and Norwich City.

Why it matters for Watford

With Egil Selvik seemingly the default first choice heading into next season, the goalkeeping unit will still need some reconfiguration. Members of Baxter's family are Watford season-ticket holders and he had expressed his desire to clinch the number one shirt at Vicarage Road.

What comes next?

Reports in Italy have linked the Hornets with a move for Bologna stopper Federico Ravaglia, with one source in Italy suggesting to The Watford Observer that the interest is genuine. Ravaglia, 26, is an academy graduate at the Italian club and played 25 times for them last season, including five appearances in the Europa League.

As of the end of the 2025-2026 season, Watford's league standing is: | Category | Value | | --- | --- | | League standing | 16th in Championship | | Points | 57 | | Recent form | LLLLL | | Goals scored | 53 | | Goals conceded | 65 | | Goal difference | -12 | | Title race | 38 points behind leaders Coventry | | Last result | Watford 0-4 Coventry (2026-05-02) | | Next fixture | vs Boreham Wood (away, 2026-07-11) | Daniel Bachmann has been back at London Colney at the start of pre-season, his loan move to Leyton Orient having never got going after he picked up an injury in the warm-up before his proposed debut in January. Jonathan Macaulay and Alfie Marriott rotated duties as third choice last season, while Myles Roberts - who has impressed on loans in Scotland and the EFL - has been released at the end of his deal.