Watford’s hopes of snapping up Grzegorz Rasiak on a cut-price deal have taken a blow after Southampton boss Mark Wotte said the financially-stricken club will not be selling its star assets on the cheap.

Rasiak was in excellent form for Watford as the season came to a close - scoring five times in his last five games - and Brendan Rodgers is keen to sign the Polish international on a permanent deal.

When the initial loan agreement was made under Aidy Boothroyd, the clubs agreed that Watford could sign the 30-year-old this summer for £750,000.

But the Hornets are in no position to offer that kind of fee and due to Saints’ relegation and the club’s holding company going into administration, it was hoped the Golden Boys could secure Rasiak’s signature for a minimal fee.

But Wotte said: “If they [the Saints’ players] cannot find a club that are willing to pay the right amount of money for them then they should report back on the 15th June with everybody else.”

He added: “Grzegorz has spoken with Watford and they have made an offer to him to extend his loan, but there are some financial issues with that.”