Taking in the comments here, it seems the sensible approach.

'Who are you and how did you get in here? I'm a locksmith. And, I'm a locksmith.' (Leslie Nielsen)

Opening salvo's then.

Palace offer - £5m
Watford want - £12m

Common sense says perhaps meet in the middle at about £7-8m, unless one of both side hold firm, but I can't see Watford holding out for £12m when they can lose him for nothing at the end of the season.

We need to get at least 1 more midfielder in before the window closes.Neither Riedlewald or Schlupp are good enough to be central midfielders, which leaves its with Gallagher, McArthur (who is now now more injury prone) and Luka (who seems to be a shadow of the player is he was). Though Kouyate could also play there.

That's difficult to know as 50% of posters on here and the BBS say that he's just what we need and the other 50% say that he's no better than what we've already got.

I don't have an opinion of my own as I don't watch any Premier League football if Palace aren't involved.

Similarly I have less interest in other teams as I've got older. Mine was a question rather than statement.
These boards aren't a great barometer given the clamour for the likes of Meyer and Riedewald.

That said, according to Wiki, WH made thirty appearances in Watford's relegation season and managed one goal which suggests he may not be.

If he can travel with the ball and pick out a forward pass while doing the usual defensive stuff he may be what we need but I don't think Watford fans are that fussed about losing him.

They essentially have no choice but to sell - just a case whether anyone else comes in for him. It'll only be another relegation rival likely.

Contract soon up
30 plus players on. books
One of their highest earners
Refusing to sign

He's out one way or another

Considering the other areas that we need cover for, and a mid fielder is thought to be needed , I just hope we don’t spend to much time haggling , without showing a clear interest in someone else. If Watford put him out of our range don’t spend the next two weeks trying to change that without a take it or leave it offer, based on our own option of another choice.
£5 mill for an experienced player of Hughs age has to be a joke, it makes me wonder if we are that serious, and I dare say has the same effect on the Watford, people. It should get to nine, or ten but if that’s to much, it has to be someone else , and soon.