Watford have not received any bids for John Eustace and manager Malky Mackay has stated he is desperate for his captain to stay.

It has been widely reported this week that Derby County are keen for Eustace to replace the retiring Robbie Savage, with one national newspaper claiming the 31-year-old is “set to sign” for £200,000.

Mackay confirmed the club had yet to receive any bids for Eustace and praised the player’s contribution since he was made permanent manager in 2009.

Mackay said: “John has been my captain and has been a leader for me. He is someone whose career has benefited from his time under me and I think we as a club have benefited from John’s experience and ability in the last two years.

“He is someone I obviously don’t want to lose.”

Eustace spent the final months of the 2008/09 season on loan at Derby as he was out of favour under Brendan Rodgers.

The former Coventry City man played nine times for Nigel Clough before becoming a mainstay at Watford under Mackay.

Derby are not the only club reportedly interested in Eustace, with Leeds United expected to make another approach for the experienced midfielder after he decided against a move to Elland Road at the 11th hour last summer.

Eustace has one year left on his contract, although we understand Watford are in talks about an extension.

When asked whether he would rather his captain go on a free next summer rather than be sold for a small fee in the coming months, Mackay replied: “It is a board decision when it comes to transfer fees, I do not get involved in the contractual situations at the club.

“I make recommendations but they deal with the figures and contractual situations.”

Danny Graham has also been linked with a move to Newcastle United.

Graham scored 27 goals in all competitions this season and Championship winners Queens Park Rangers are also reportedly interested in the striker.

The 25-year-old used his Twitter page to inform Watford fans he is not on the verge of leaving the club, saying: “There is stuff in the press about moves, don’t believe it until I tell you all. I am under contract.”