Watford have not received any approaches from Arsenal or Manchester City for highly-rated centre half Tommie Hoban.

Hoban, who made his first team debut in the final game of last season whilst still a first-year scholar, has been linked with a move to the two Premier League clubs several times in the national media in the last week.

But the Hornets’ head of football business Ross Wilson told the Watford Observer: “There have been no approaches from any club for the player.”

Hoban signed what has been described as a “lengthy” professional contract days after his first team debut at Preston North End in May.

But the 17-year-old has only just started the second year of his scholarship and is still classed as an Academy player by the club.

Hoban is currently away with Republic of Ireland Under-19s along with fellow scholars Sean Murray and Connor Smith.