Watford keen on Smith

Watford have expressed an interest in Alan Smith, but Adrian Boothroyd has ruled out a bid to bring Heidar Helguson back to Vicarage Road.

Manchester United have been willing to loan Smith out to aid the striker's bid to return to full fitness after a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

Smith has already rejected a move to Cardiff City, while former club Leeds United had also been keen to explore a deal.

Now Boothroyd admits he has enquired about taking the forward on loan in January, although he is unsure if his bid will be successful.

"I have enquired about Alan," Boothroyd, who already has United keeper Ben Foster on loan, told the Watford Observer.

"If we were to have a go at getting Alan we couldn't get him until January, which is probably good as he may go somewhere else first.

"But I don't really see it happening because he needs time to get back into the groove of things."

Boothroyd is keen to sign a striker in the New Year after losing Marlon King to injury for the rest of the season.

The Hornets had been linked with an attempt to lure Helguson, who left for Fulham in 2005, back to the club.

But the Watford boss has cooled the speculation and currently has no plans to make a move for the Iceland international.

He added: "I haven't contacted Fulham about Heidar and I think he's playing regularly for them anyway."