BURNLEY will have to be prepared to spend big if they are to add Troy Deeney to their Premier League strike force.

Watford’s top scorer was the subject of a failed bid by the Clarets last week, with the Hornets turning down an offer in excess of £5million – thought to be nearer to £6m – from Turf Moor, on the back of Norwich City having a £5m bid turned down earlier in the summer.

Burnley are expected to go back in with an improved offer, but at present there have been no further approaches for Watford’s in-demand top scorer, although the Championship club are braced.

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Interest in the 26-year-old is expected to hot up over the next seven days, with more clubs preparing to join the race for the 25-goal front man’s signature.

Burnley have already faced competition from Aston Villa and Swansea, as well as Norwich so far.

But regardless of the number of suitors, Watford are determined to play hardball – and can afford to – after seeing Ross McCormack’s sale from Leeds United to Fulham go through for £11m yesterday.

McCormack topped the Championship goal charts last season with 28, but over the last two terms combined Deeney has far more, with 20 in the 2012/13 campaign compared to McCormack’s nine.

Watford, Clarets boss Sean Dyche’s former club, were already in a position of strength because they are not under any financial pressures and are instead putting everything into a promotion push next season.

Winger Lloyd Dyer arrived from Leicester City after helping the Foxes secure the Championship title, while manager Giuseppe Sannino has added Premier League experience with the signings of defender Craig Cathcart and former Spurs goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes.

Striker Matej Vydra has also returned on a season long loan from Udinese after a full term with West Brom, while a two-year loan has also been agreed for Parma’s Hungary international Daniel Tozser.

There have not been any major departures from Vicarage Road, and owner Giampaolo Pozzo will intend to keep it that way.