Arsenal defender Tony Adams could be poised to take over the vacant manager's seat at Watford.

The former England captain has been linked with a move into management as he looks certain to retire from playing this summer.

Adams did not report for the first day of pre-season training with Arsenal and rumours linking him with Watford are rife.

Watford are looking for a replacement for Italian Gianluca Vialli, following his sacking in June.

But the club would not be drawn on the subject, with club spokesman Andrew French saying: "It is club policy not to comment on speculation.

"We will only make an announcement when there's an announcement to be made."

Adams was recently turned down by Brentford, while Brighton have now moved to deny rumours linking Adams with their vacant post.

Brighton want a proven boss to take over from Peter Taylor.

Seagulls managing director Martin Perry told BBC Radio Five Live: "I am not going to talk about any particular candidate," said Perry.

"We want someone who has got First Division experience. We have a number of good candidates who have applied for the job."