The Hornets have turned down a third bid from Leicester City for Troy Deeney and – barring an absurd offer – will not sell the striker this summer, the Watford Observer understands.

We understand the Foxes have had an initial offer of £10m, which could have reached £12m with add-ons, rejected by the Golden Boys.

Watford had been reluctant to sell the 26-year-old all summer but, previously, potential bids of around £10m may have been considered.

However, Deeney’s importance to the Hornets’ automatic promotion hopes have been evident in recent weeks and we understand Watford have decided they will not sell the striker.

Queens Park Rangers and Hull City have been linked with a move for Deeney this week after he impressed in the Golden Boys’ 3-0 win in their Championship opener with Bolton Wanderers last Saturday.

QPR and Leicester City have had offers of between £6.5m and £8m rejected by Watford this summer.

Prior to those bids, Swansea City and Burnley had offers turned down while Everton and Norwich City were also interested in Deeney in the past.

Last summer Hull City had a bid rejected by the Hornets for last season’s top scorer.