Watford have rejected an offer from Burnley for captain Troy Deeney.

The Watford Observer understands reports the Clarets offered £9 million for the Hornets skipper are correct, but the bid was turned down as Watford continue to have complete faith in the striker and are determined to keep him at Vicarage Road.

Former Hornets boss Sean Dyche has made no secret of his wish to strengthen his squad heading into the new Premier League campaign and is said to have switched his focus to a forward he knows very well, having seen an offer for West Bromwich Albion striker Jay Rodriguez also rejected.

Deeney was the subject of interest from Cardiff City earlier in the week but we were told the Hornets had no wish to sell the club’s all-time fourth highest goalscorer before the transfer window closes on Thursday.