Mathias Ranegie's future will not be determined by whether Troy Deeney leaves the club despite claims to the contrary by the Swedish striker, the Watford Observer understands.

Ranegie, pictured, is quoted as saying he would be Deeney’s replacement should the Hornets sell their top scorer and that the club had agreed to find him a move if the Englishman remains.

However, we have been told that is not the case and Deeney’s future will not be a deciding factor in whether Ranegie stays at Vicarage Road next season.

Ranegie joined the Golden Boys in January from Udinese and signed a three-and-a-half year deal with the club.

The 30-year-old was injured when he first arrived but went on to make ten appearances for Watford, often starting alongside Deeney, and netted four times.

Deeney ended the campaign with 24 goals and has been linked with a move to several Premier League sides this summer, including Everton, Newcastle United and Aston Villa.

Ranegie was asked about his future by Swedish newspaper Sport Expressen during an extensive interview.

He said: “It all depends on the situation. The status is if Troy Deeney is sold, I am his replacement. Otherwise the club has agreed to find me a new club.”

Ranegie has been capped five times by Sweden and he netted his sole goal for his country in a 1-1 draw against Syria in January 2010.

He was a latecomer to professional football and, after a largely unsuccessful spell at IFK Göteborg, made a name for himself at BK Häcken, where he scored 36 goals in 81 appearances.

Malmo signed him in 2011 and 13 goals in 26 games persuaded Udinese to buy the player in August 2012.

He made 24 Serie A appearances for the Little Zebras before joining the Hornets.