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Stefan out

Marseille and Sevilla enter race to sign wantaway Watford striker Stefano Okaka

Italian forward impressed in season opener against Liverpool but has fallen down the pecking order following the arrival of Andre Gray from Burnley

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WATFORD striker Stefano Okaka is being tracked by Marseille and Sevilla, SunSport understands.

Okakja joined the Hornets from Anderlecht on a five-year-deal last summer after just 12 months in Belgium.

 Stefano Okaka looks to be on his way out of Watford
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Stefano Okaka looks to be on his way out of WatfordCredit: Getty Images - Getty
 Hornets boss Marco Silva has not started Okaka since Liverpool draw at Vicarage Road
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Hornets boss Marco Silva has not started Okaka since Liverpool draw at Vicarage RoadCredit: Reuters

The big striker scored in the opening game of the season at home to Liverpool and was a constant threat to Jugen Klopp's defence with his pace and power.

Chinese Super League outfit Shanghai Shenhua wanted the Italian international in June, but new boss Marco Silva wanted to run the rule over his new squad before making any decisions.

Now the decision looks to have been made, the arrival of Andre Gray from Burnley has seen the forward fall down the pecking order despite Silva wanting him to stay and snub the lucrative move to China.

Silva recently addressed Okaka's omission: "He does what he needs to do and it's not easy, I agree, but it's a matter of decisions.

"I take what the best solution is for the team each match every time.

"Not what is the best solution for player A, B, C or D, but what is best for the team."

 Stefano Okaka scored and impressed against Liverpool in opening game of season
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Stefano Okaka scored and impressed against Liverpool in opening game of seasonCredit: Getty Images - Getty
 Andre Gray left Burnley to move south to Watford
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Andre Gray left Burnley to move south to WatfordCredit: Rex Features
 Brazilian attacker Richarlison looks to be the main support for striker Andre Gray
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Brazilian attacker Richarlison looks to be the main support for striker Andre GrayCredit: Getty Images - Getty
 Stevan Jovetic has left Sevilla to join Monaco
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Stevan Jovetic has left Sevilla to join Monaco

Silva added: "It's not a problem for me. If I think it's the best solution for the team I will take it.

"If others aren't happy, it's football. Not just him but others as well."

The 28-year-old will find his opportunities limited under Silva, who looks increasingly likely to continue with Gray and Brazilian Richarlison in support.

The Spanish side are looking to replace Stevan Jovetic who was on-loan from Inter Milan, but has now joined Monaco.
Marseille, fresh from their 6-1 humiliation at Monaco on Sunday are desperate for additional firepower as they already trail Ligue 1 leaders Paris Saint-Germain by five points after four games.


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