Deeney offer is wide of mark

It was claimed yesterday morning that the Clarets - who, earlier this month made an offer between £5-6m for the 26-year-old - had upped their bid to £8m, smashing the £3m club record they paid for Steven Fletcher in 2009.

However, I am told there is no truth in the story, which suggests Watford value their man at closer to £10m in any case.

Watford are in a position where they are not forced to sell to balance the books under the ownership of the Pozzo family.

Deeney has attracted much speculation over the summer, but until a fortnight ago, despite reported interest from Norwich City and Swansea City, who were both linked with offers in excess of £5m, Burnley’s was the only official bid.

That changed this week, after Leicester City had offers of £6.5m and then £7.5m bid turned down.

The Foxes have already broken their transfer record - the £5m they paid for Ade Akinbiyi 14 years ago - in a deal that could rise to £10m for Brighton’s Argentinian frontman Leo Ulloa.

But Nigel Pearson could have to match that deal to land Deeney, who has netted 43 goals in 84 apearances in the Championship in the last two seasons, and played under Dyche at Vicarage Road.

Early last week Burnley landed Lukas Jutkiewicz from Middlesbrough to take their striking pool up to five - although Sam Vokes will not be available for the early stages of the season as he recovers from a ruptured cruciate knee ligament.

Dyche said regarding the timeframe of his recovery recently: “It’s too early really. When it gets closer we can start defining timescales, but he’s certainly going well as regards the general rehab.

“I keep reminding him there’s nothing not to be happy about.

“These things nowadays, it’s just time.

“You clear up, get back fit, happy days you’re in the Premier League.

“You just keep focusing on that.

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