WATFORD have confirmed that they have rejected a bid from Burnley for striker Troy Deeney.

The Clarets are looking to strengthen their strike force in preparation for the Premier League and targeted the 26-year-old, who scored 24 goals in the Championship last season.

The Hornets did not disclose the fee tabled by Burnley for the front man, who worked with Clarets boss Sean Dyche when he was manager of Watford.

Burnley face competition from West Brom, Swansea, Aston Villa and Norwich for Deeney’s signature.

Deeney was signed by Malky Mackay in 2010 but struggled to break into the starting line-up during his first season at the club.

He turned his Watford career around under Dyche’s leadership.

He scored 11 league goals during the 2011/2012 campaign but the following season upped his Championship tally to 20.

Last season was Deeney’s most prolific, scoring 25 goals in 48 games.