Watford’s sporting director Luke Dowling has revealed that the club is maintaining “regular” discussions with Manchester City regarding the potential re-signing of defender Stephen Mfuni on loan. He also indicated that striker Nestory Irankunda might leave the club this month.

Mfuni, who was on loan at Watford during the second half of the previous season, has participated in City’s pre-season tour in Asia.

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He played 45 minutes in City’s 1-1 draw with Inter Milan before being substituted at half-time for fellow former Watford loanee Max Alleyne. He also played the entire second half of City’s 3-1 victory against a K-League XI in Seoul on Wednesday.

“Anyone who watched Watford last season, especially during the games when Mfuni played, would find it unsurprising if Manchester City kept him around, especially with Nathan Ake departing this year,” Dowling told BBC Three Counties Radio.

“He’s left-footed like Ake and can play both left-back and left centre-half, so it’s certainly a possibility. However, the club is in regular contact with Manchester City… so we will have to wait and see.

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“Unfortunately, with loans, we’re not in control as they are not our players.”

Meanwhile, Irankunda, who scored for Australia against Turkey at the World Cup this summer, is reportedly linked with a £14m move to Sporting Lisbon, who are competing in the Champions League this season.

“As of now, he’s training today,” Dowling said about the 20-year-old. “Scott [Duxbury, the Watford chairman] wants to retain Nestory.

“However, the transfer market is active, and things can change quickly. This week, particularly, we’ve seen increased movement, including from Nestory himself.

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“Scott will strive to make the best decisions for the club, but as we’ve observed with teams like Newcastle, if players wish to leave, we will have to act in the club’s best interest.

“This season might hopefully be when we see the real [Kwadwo] Baah. If we lose Nestory, which has been a common topic, this could be the season where Baah makes significant progress.”

Dowling confirmed that the club is looking to recruit a new striker, either on loan or permanently.

“Would I like another player in?” he said. “Yes. I believe it’s necessary. Ideally, I’d prefer someone different from what we have. So that’s a focus for us.

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“However, at this moment, it’s not as much of a priority as strengthening the centre-half position.”