Malky Mackay says there was “no chance” Tamas Priskin would have left Watford on the cheap and has tipped new signing Danny Graham to fill the void left by the Hungarian.

Priskin's £1.7m move to Ipswich Town was confirmed this afternoon and Hornets' boss Mackay, chief executive Julian Winter and chairman Jimmy Russo have all stressed the importance of the striker's decision to turn down a new contract offer.

The 23-year-old only had one year left on his Watford deal and Mackay was adamant he would not be leaving on a free next summer or for a cut-price in January.

Mackay told Watford's website: “I’ve known Tamas a few years now and have watched him grow as a player.

“We were in the unfortunate position of having a player with less than a year left on his contract.

“That being the case, from 1 September he could have run down his contract.

“There was no chance of us letting him go cheaply, but once Ipswich met our valuation it made sense to talk with them.

“As much as I’m disappointed, we have to look after the best interests of the club.”

Watford, who have also secured a 20 per cent sell-on clause as part of the deal, feel now was the right time to sell Priskin.

Winter added: “The decision to sell Tamas was a club one with the support of our manager Malky Mackay.

“It was the right time for the player to move on and we had to take into consideration the time left on Tamas’ contract and the fact our improved offer had been turned down by the player.”

Yesterday, before the sale of Priskin went through, Mackay told the Watford Observer that should the Hungarian leave, there were targets lined up to replace him.

New signing Danny Graham has scored five in five during pre-season and Mackay said: “Tamas leaving us frees us a space for someone else to shine.

“Danny Graham has been exceptional since he joined and his attitude and application has been first class. He’s delighted to be here and to be given a chance.”