Vladimir Ivic has admitted that 'nobody knows' if Troy Deeney will stay at Watford beyond the January transfer window.

The Hornets' skipper was heavily linked with a move to Tottenham Hotspur over the course of the summer following the Hertfordshire club's relegation from the Premier League.

The 32-year-old is a big player for Watford both on and off the pitch and could play a big role in seeing them return to the top flight at the first time of asking.

Due to a knee injury Deeney has been limited to just two first team appearances this term but fans will be hoping to see a lot more of him over the course of the season.

Of course the speculation is distracting but according to the Watford boss he's planning on the basis that the club captain will be sticking around.

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Asked if Deeney will stay during the January transfer window, Ivic told Herts Live: "He's our player and I treat him as if he stays with us.

"What's going to happen or if something happens, I can't speak about that now. Nobody can give you information about that.

"He's our player, he belongs to Watford and I will treat him until his last day and my last day like he is our player.

"What's going to happen now, nobody knows."

The Verdict

Troy Deeney will be massive if Watford are to achieve promotion this term.

The striker is as natural a leader as you're likely to find and given the level of respect that he has at Vicarage Road he will be a real asset this term.

It's unlikely that Deeney will have anywhere near as much sway with another Premier League club and so he may be better off sticking around and helping Watford get back to the top tier.