According to reports, Watford are ready to offload their skipper Troy Deeney ahead of next season. The 29-year-old struggled to replicate his impressive goalscoring record with Watford last term, having scored just 5 league goals in 29 appearances. It was a significant drop in return for Deeney following two consecutive campaigns in double figures.
Despite being a fan favourite at Vicarage Road and having three years remaining on his contract, the Hornets are prepared to let go of their talismanic striker and are looking for at least £10m for his services.
The Hornets are reportedly looking to start a new era under boss Javi Gracia, who guided the club to a 14th-place finish last season.
Here are three Championship clubs that could go all out for Deeney this summer.
Stoke City
New Stoke City Gary Rowett should add more firepower to his attack despite signing Benik Afobe from Wolverhampton Wanderers.
A move for Troy Deeney would help them in their pursuit of clinching promotion to the Premier League at the first time of asking. Deeney is a proven Premier League striker and would add a lot of value to the Stoke side.
The 29-year-old only scored 5 goals last season but he has got double-figures twice in England’s top-flight. Considering the same, Stoke must make a move for the stocky target man.
Leeds United
One particular area new Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa should strengthen is his forward department, with Leeds United scoring just 59 goals in the Championship last season. And Bielsa should consider signing Troy Deeney to bolster his attacking options ahead of new season.
Valued at around £10m by Watford, Deeney could prove to be an excellent piece of business for Leeds, considering today’s ludicrously inflated transfer market. The 29-year-old would be a fantastic focal point for the Whites, from which they could build their attacks.
Deeney is strong, powerful and has a decent Premier League record. His tireless approach may well appeal to Bielsa, whose 3-3-1-3 system needs hard-working and industrious players. At £10m, Deeney could be a snip for Leeds.
Norwich City
Norwich City have sold one of their prized assets, James Maddison to Leicester City. And the funds generated following the sale of Maddison should be used by Norwich in bringing a prolific striker next season.
The Canaries struggled for goals last season and a move for Watford’s Troy Deeney would make complete sense. A powerful target-man, Deeney may well be one of the better options within Norwich’s low budget.
The experienced Deeney would certainly strike up a formidable partnership with Nelson Oliveira, if he does move to Carrow Road and for £10m, in today’s highly inflated market, it could be of real significance for the Canaries.