Leicester City have rejected a second approach from the Hornets for centre back Liam Moore, the Watford Observer understands.

The Golden Boys asked about the availability of Moore last year but were told he would not be allowed to leave.

With fellow centre back Robert Huth joining Leicester on loan from Stoke City and defender Matthew Upson returning from injury, Watford made another approach for Moore but we understand the answer remained the same.

Recent injuries and a lack of game time for both Huth and Upson could be a factor in Moore not being allowed to leave despite not making the 18-man squad on Saturday. The Stoke defender has only played twice since September and Upson has not played all season and only returned to the bench at Manchester United on Saturday.

Moore, 22, is 6ft 1ins and can play at centre back or right back. He started the first nine Premier League games this season but has only made three appearances in all competitions since the beginning of November.

Watford’s head coach Slavisa Jokanovic is keen to sign a centre back and centre midfielder before tonight’s 11pm transfer window deadline but we have been told the club will only sanction deals for players who will be automatic selections in the 18-man match-day squad.

If the right targets are not available, then the club are willing to wait until the loan window reopens in a week’s time or rely on the versatility of players like Miguel Layun and Ikechi Anya in midfield.

With Joel Ekstrand set to return to fitness shortly following a back injury, the Golden Boys will have five experienced players for the three centre half positions in Ekstrand, Gabriele Angella, Craig Cathcart, Tommie Hoban and Lloyd Doyley.

Former loanee Sebastien Bassong has been linked with a return to Vicarage Road by the national media but we understand Norwich are reluctant to let the Frenchman leave. The 26-year-old, who made 11 starts at Watford earlier this season, was in Norwich’s XI on Saturday and new manager Alex Neil has told the player he part of his plans in the future after being frozen out by Neil Adams.

On Saturday Neil told the Eastern Daily Press: “I thought he (Bassong) did well. He had obviously not played in a few weeks and looked a wee bit rusty at times but over the piece I was happy with his performance.”