It is understood that Harry Redknapp's Queens Park Rangers now lead the race to sign former Walsall striker Troy Deeney, as rumours of an impending departure continue.
26-year-old Birmingham born Deeney, has been the focus of much transfer speculation all summer following a fantastic goal scoring campaign, in which he bagged twenty-five goals in forty-eight appearances for Watford.
Over the summer break Aston Villa, Swansea City, Leicester City, Glasgow Celtic and Burnley are all believed to have expressed an interest in securing his signature.
However, it appears Rangers have leapt ahead of their rivals and are the bookies favourites to secure his signature, although Watford are keen to keep hold of their man and are said to be happy to hold out for a fee of between £8 and £10 million.
R's boss Redknapp admitted his interest in the striker, telling Sky Sports; “He is a player who interests me.
“The chairman has been talking to Watford, but I think there’s one or two other clubs bidding as well.
“I think Burnley came and made an offer and Leicester too, so we’ll have to wait and see with that one.
“We need four or five good players to give us a squad who are capable of competing.”
Deeney, who was released by Aston Villa at the age of 15, is regarded as one of the best strikers outside the Premier League having notched over 20 goals two seasons in a row.
Following a brief spell with Chelmsley Town, Troy joined Walsall in 2006 and was sent on loan to Halesowen Town, in order to gain some first-team football.
Troy made his Walsall debut in 2007 season and went on to make 136 appearances for the Saddlers, scoring 27 goals,
In August 2010, following a summer of speculation he joined Watford on a two-year contract, for a fee believed to be £250,000 rising up to £500,000 on appearances, this also included a sell-on fee believed to be in the region of 15%.