Lewis O’Donnell tracked by Watford as Dundee United starlet catches eye of Hornets scouts

Watford are on the trail of Dundee United youngster Lewis O’Donnell.

The English Championship outfit have been impressed with the teenager, who is currently on loan at Kelty Hearts. The midfielder it out-of-contract in the summer. The Hornets know they could land the 18-year-old for nominal training compensation.

O’Donnell’s loan at Kelty is up in January. Watford director of football Ben Manga keeps a close eye on Scottish football. They have had success with Scotland international Ryan Porteous but have missed out on one or two young Scots to English Premier League clubs. United have sold the likes of Kerr Smith to Aston Villa in recent seasons. Meanwhile, former Tannadice midfielder Kevin McDonald has been named caretaker manager at Bradford City following Mark Hughes’ sacking. Hughes was dismissed following Tuesday’s defeat to Tranmere - a result that leaves the Bantams third bottom of League Two.

McDonald joined Bradford as a player during the summer and having previously helped coach the Fulham Under-23s, has now been handed the reins on a temporary basis at Valley Parade.

The former Dundee and Dundee United midfielder, who underwent a kidney transplant in 2021 while at Fulham, has played eight games for Bradford since joining from Exeter City in June.

The 34-year-old will be assisted by Mark Trueman as Bradford prepare for tomorrow’s clash with Swindon Town. City chief executive Ryan Sparks said: “Unfortunately, since our defeat at Carlisle in the play-off semi-final, results have been disappointing, and after 11 league games we find ourselves a long way away from where we expect to be. As a result, the decision has been taken to move in a different direction in an effort to get our season on track.”