Tommy Smith is expected to play in front of his adoring fans against Blackpool after Reading’s ‘take-it-or-leave-it’ offer failed to meet Watford’s valuation for the forward.

There were reports Smith could start for Reading against Sheffield United tomorrow after the Berkshire club apparently matched the Blades’ successful £1.8m bid.

But the Watford Observer understands the Royals are yet to reach the required fee.

Watford are still in negotiations with Reading despite the reported ‘final’ bid and yesterday (Thursday) Watford boss Malky Mackay confirmed the offer had neither been accepted or rejected.

He said: “The situation is that there is a bid that has come in and is being considered right now by the board.

“There is a meeting on that this afternoon and then we will decide on the action to take. The bid hasn’t been rejected or accepted yet.”

Former Hornets boss Brendan Rodgers made a fresh approach on Tuesday night, prior to Smith scoring in Watford’s 4-2 win over Nottingham Forest, after last Thursday’s offer of around £1.2m was rebuffed.

It has been claimed Reading offered what they believe to be the required £1.8m but it is understood a large proportion of that fee is add-ons, such as money based on promotion.

During his brief spell as Watford boss, Rodgers regularly referred to Smith as “Superman” and the Northern Irishman is hoping a “solution” can be found as quickly as possible.

Rodgers said: “The club have obviously matched an offer that was agreed by another club and we’re hoping there will be a solution to it and that will be up to the two clubs.

“We’ve made the offer and we’ll just see what happens from there.

“There’s other possibilities we’re looking at in a couple of other positions as well.

“I need to bring in my own type of player to add to what is a very good group of players, so that will be key over the next week and a half to try and do that.”

Newcastle United have enquired about Smith and representatives from the North East club were watching the forward during Tuesday’s 4-2 victory over Forest.

It is known that Smith is keen not to move his family but Newcastle may be an attractive proposition to the 29-year-old, considering he supported the club as a youngster and some of his family are from the area.

A bid from the Magpies could be on the cards after they sold Republic of Ireland international Damien Duff to Fulham on Tuesday, although it is unclear who is in charge of recruiting players as the they remain managerless.