US defender Jay DeMerit has pledged his future to Watford by dismissing speculation linking him with moves to Fulham and Middlesbrough.

The Wisconsin-born stopper - who starred for the US in both the Gold Cup and the Copa America this summer - was rumored to be on the wish list of Fulham boss Lawrie Sanchez. Earlier this week, the Cottagers captured DeMerit's teammate Hameur Bouazza for a fee believed to be in the region of $7 million.

"It is one of things that people just talk about," DeMerit told American Soccer Daily. "You hear people talking here and there, and it is flattering - but as far as I am concerned and as far as Aidy (Boothroyd) is concerned, I am not going anywhere."

Interest in the 27-year old from Boro is believed to have been more concrete, but DeMerit insisted yesterday he will be pulling on the Hornets' yellow jersey once more this season, buoyed by the pledges of support from his coach.

"We have a job to do and a lot of factors go into moving teams," DeMerit added. "Aidy will tell me to stay, and I am happy here and just concentrating on the season ahead."

"From what I understand about him and from what he said to me, I will be as big a part of it as I already have been. It is a matter of maintaining that so we can all get back to where we want to be."

Watford kick off their Championship campaign at Wolverhampton on Saturday.