Beppe Sannino usually refuses to give an opinion on Troy Deeney’s future but the Watford head coach this afternoon stated the club thinks their captain will remain at Vicarage Road all season.

Deeney has been the subject of several bids from Premier League clubs this summer, including Burnley, Leicester City, Queens Park Rangers and Swansea City. Everton and Norwich City have also expressed interest.

In the past Sannino has simply stated he is the head coach and you will have to ask the club when he has been asked about Deeney’s future.

But the Italian, who was seen talking to technical director Gian Luca Nani after the final whistle, was a little stronger with his views yesterday evening.

Initially Sannino stated: “I don’t know [what will happen with Deeney]. For me Troy Deeney is a Watford striker.”

But later he added: “I am a head coach and it is a problem for the club. We think Troy Deeney will stay with us all season.”

QPR and Leicester have had bids of between £7.5m and £8m rejected by Watford this summer and the club have been adamant they will not sell the striker unless their valuation has been met.

But Sannino’s comment yesterday is the strongest indication yet that the 26-year-old may well be remaining at Vicarage Road this season even if further bids are submitted.