Burnley installed as FAVOURITES to sign 168 goal striker - but how likely is the deal?

SO WHAT IS THE STORY?

Troy Deeney – captain of recently relegated Watford – has been linked with a move away from Vicarage Road having been at the club since joining from Walsall in 2010.

The 32-year-old goal-getter found the net 10 times in the Premier League this campaign but could not prevent his side’s relegation to the Championship – adding to his 168 career goal tally in all competitions.

Burnley have been installed as 9/4 favourites with Paddy Power, with Tottenham (5/1), Aston Villa (9/1), Newcastle United (10/1), Everton (12/1) and West Ham (12/1) also contenders according to the bookmakers.

WHAT HAS DYCHE SAID ABOUT DEENEY PREVIOUSLY?

Dyche was linked with a move for Deeney back in 2014, but admitted the Clarets would struggle to afford the Birmingham-born man.

“The latest one is [that we will sign Deeney for] £8 million,” Dyche said six-years ago. "I am not sure where they have got that from and I don't know what club they think we are.

"He is among many players I admire but we have a certain brief. We can't spend £8 million on players, I assure you."

HOW LIKELY IS THE DEAL?

There exists clear respect between Dyche and Deeney with the pair having worked together at Watford during his time as assistant manager and manager.

They were engrossed in conversation after Burnley's recent 1-0 win over Watford at Turf Moor, and Deeney said recently: “When he took over as manager in 2011 it was the biggest turning point in my life. That was when I became a man."

But it remains to be seen whether Deeney would fit the profile if Burnley were looking for a striker, given they already have Chris Wood, Ashley Barnes and Jay Rodriguez.

Although Watford’s relegation may make the financials around a potential deal for Deeney easier, it remains to be seen how much money Burnley will have available to spend on transfers and whether they would fork out a decent fee for an ageing player.

All odds correct at the time of writing. Over 18s only. Please gamble responsibly and Be Gamble Aware. www.begambleaware.org.