Watford manager Sean Dyche claims Newcastle United's initial bid for centre back Adrian Mariappa is "miles away" from their valuation of the player.

The Magpies made a bid for Mariappa yesterday but it was immediately rebuffed by the Hornets.

And Dyche told the Watford Observer this afternoon: "It was a very simple chain of events; A bid was made and we need to make it clear that it was nowhere near what we consider to be his valuation.

"We have a club policy where we don't give valuations because you get into weird territory but it was nowhere near what we think he is worth.

"If those figures reach what this club think is appropriate - through the owner, the board, myself and Ross Wilson (head of football business) - then we will talk about it but they are miles away at this moment in time."

Newcastle United are expected to make another offer in the coming days and are understood to be considering offering either loan signings or some of their unwanted players as part of the deal.

Dyche said there hadn't been another offer made when he spoke to the press this afternoon.

More reaction from Dyche in the coming days.