Watford set to sign £2.5million Ben Foster from West Brom
Hornets beat both Manchester clubs to former England stopper, who is desperate to stay in Premier League after Baggies' relegation
BEN FOSTER is on the brink of a £2.5million switch to Watford as he seeks to stay in the Premier League following West Brom's relegation in 2017/18.
The Baggies finished bottom of the table last term and Foster was desperate to remain in the top flight, with both Manchester clubs reportedly taking an interest.
As first revealed by SunSport, Watford are leading the chase and will look to complete the sale of current No2 Costel Pantilimon to find a space for Foster, who spent two years on loan at the Hornets between 2005 and 2007.
Foster, 35, spent six seasons with West Brom after joining from Midlands rivals Birmingham City and had been linked with a return to Manchester, where he spent five years with United from 2005 to 2010.
The keeper's valuable experience, with more than 400 career appearances under his belt, attracted both City and United as a potential No2.
But Watford appear to have won the race, able to offer regular first-team football and a competitive wage increase, as Foster's salary would have taken a hit in the Championship.
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West Brom have been linked with a number of replacements as it became clear Foster, who won eight caps with England, saw his future lay elsewhere.
Foster and defender Craig Dawson were disciplined by the club last week after refusing to attend a pre-season camp in Portugal.
It was reported the pair were unwilling to travel as they tried to secure moves to top-flight clubs instead.
With Boaz Myhill also leaving the club as a free agent, the Baggies have been linked with moves for United's Sam Johnstone and Northampton Town keeper Richard O'Donnell.