Recently appointed Watford Head Coach Javi Gracia has cast doubt over the future of Hornets captain Troy Deeney, admitting that he 'doesn't know' whether the Birmingham-born striker will remain with the Vicarage Road club.
29-year-old Deeney, who has made over three-hundred first-team appearances since he joined the Hornets from Walsall in 2010, is understood to be open to a move away from the Hertfordshire club should the right offer come along.
Gracia, speaking ahead of his side's Emirates FA Cup - Fourth Round clash with Southampton, admitted he has other areas of his new role to focus on as technical director Filippo Giraldi oversees transfer dealings, he said; "I don’t know what happens with player’s situations. Maybe one of them will go out. Maybe others go in. I don’t know. But I said the truth. I don’t know anything else about this situation.
"I don’t have time to prepare my job the best way. I don’t waste my time in other things. There are many other people in the club, you can ask them. Troy Deeney didn’t train this week because he was ill and I don’t know what will happen in his future. I tell you again, there are other people working on these situations and I focus on my job."
Walsall, who signed signed Deeney in 2006, have an active sell-on clause of around 20% and - if the reported fee of £20,000,000 is achieved - could collect around £4m of much needed funds.
Deeney has been linked with a move to several clubs over recent seasons but is understood to be high on the list of candidates drawn up by recently-appointed West Bromwich Albion boss Alan Pardew, as he seeks to make his mark on his new side.
Walsall, who signed signed Deeney in 2006, have an active sell-on clause of around 20% and - if the reported fee of £20,000,000 is achieved - could collect around £4m of much needed funds.
Deeney has been linked with a move to several clubs over recent seasons but is understood to be high on the list of candidates drawn up by recently-appointed West Bromwich Albion boss Alan Pardew, as he seeks to make his mark on his new side.