Southampton, Brighton and West Brom are all battling for the signing of Watford striker Troy Deeney, a report from a print edition of The Sunday Mirror (11/10, p73) has claimed.

Despite his iconic status at Watford, and his undoubted ability, Deeney has made just one, late substitute appearance in the Championship for the Hornets this season, following their relegation from the Premier League at the end of the previous campaign.

Now it seems as though that is leading to increasing attention from the Premier League, as clubs look to swoop for a proven goalscorer at top-flight level.

According to the latest reports, Southampton, Brighton and West Brom are all keen to recruit the 32-year-old, as they look to add some extra firepower to their respective squads before the domestic transfer window closes on Friday afternoon.

It remains to be seen how much Deeney would cost one of these sides, but the fact he has hardly featured this season suggests that Watford could be open to offers for the striker.

Since joining Watford from Walsall back in the summer of 2010, Deeney has made 399 appearances in al competitions for the Hornets, scoring 133 goals.

As things stand, there are just under 12 months remaining on Deeney's contract with Watford, meaning he could leave the club for free at the end of this season, if no deal of any kind is agreed before that point.

The Verdict

Deeney could still be a very good signing for one of these Premier League sides.

Despite his lack of opportunities for Watford this season, his performances last year proved he is still easily good enough to make a contribution for a club such as those linked with him at top-flight level.

Indeed, at 32-years-old, you also feel that the striker himself may be keen for a transfer such as this, since it may be his last chance to secure a move to the Premier League, with his career seemingly approaching its latter stages.