The Swans, who have just been promoted to England’s top flight but are based in Wales, were thumped 4-0 by Manchester City in their opening Premier League outing on Monday and have been tipped by many to make a swift return to the second-tier Championship.
A new centre-half signing is near the top of Rodgers’ wish list and newspaper reports have suggested Mariappa is on the radar.
The 24-year-old has played the full 90 minutes in both of Watford’s Championship games so far – a 2-2 draw with Burnley and 1-0 loss to Derby – and is highly-regarded at Vicarage Road.
Had it not been for a one-match suspension, Mariappa would have started every one of the Hornets’ matches for the last two seasons. He is now ranked fourth on the list of Watford players to have made the most consecutive league starts with 113.
That impressive total is part of over 200 appearances for the Watford academy product, some of which have come in his less-favoured position of right back.
Should they secure his signature, Swansea will receive a player with Premier League experience as Mariappa featured in Watford’s most recent season in the top-flight in 2006-07.
His father and grandparents were born in Fiji and the country’s football association has expressed an interest in his services. He was included in an extended national training squad for the Pacific Games but did not travel down under to take up his place and it is unclear whether he will ever represent the nation of his roots.
He will be in action tonight when Watford go in search of their first win of the campaign against West Ham United, for whom All Whites defender Winston Reid is likely to feature.

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