Watford have reiterated none of their strikers are for sale in the wake of claims they rejected an eye-watering £38 million bid for Odion Ighalo, the Watford Observer understands.

The Guardian has reported the Hornets turned down the staggering offer for last season’s top scorer from big-spending Shanghai SIPG.

The Chinese club, who are managed by former England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson, broke their transfer record this week by signing Brazilian striker Hulk from Zenit St Petersburg for £46.1m.

Following the reported move for Nigerian international, it is understood Watford have again issued the hands off warning to admirers for their forwards as they seek to build on last season’s 13th-placed Premier League finish under new boss Walter Mazzarri.

The club’s refusal to sell any of their most prized assets was evidenced by their decision to reject Leicester City’s £25m offer for Troy Deeney, who has subsequently signed a new five-year contract today.