Javi Gracia expects Troy Deeney to be a Watford player after the transfer window closes, despite an approach for his services arriving from Burnley.

The Watford Observer revealed last week that the Clarets had £9 million offer for the Watford skipper rejected and understands the Hornets want to hold onto their number nine.

Deeney was on target in a 1-1 draw with Sampdoria on Saturday and has looked in good shape throughout Watford’s pre-season schedule.

Gracia will be charged with getting the best from Deeney in the 2018/19 campaign and says Saturday’s showing was further evidence of his quality.

The head coach said: “I do not know anything about bids for Troy Deeney, I only know he scored an important goal for us again today and shows his character all the time.

“His commitment with the club is clear and he is the number nine for us. I want him to stay for sure.”

Deeney made his ambition to make the most of pre-season clear in the closing stages of last term as he highlighted a desire to “invest in himself” and come into the campaign in full fitness.

That is a luxury the striker couldn’t enjoy last summer after surgery on a groin complaint deprived the 30-year-old of a pre-season.

While Watford are still carrying a number of injured players, Gracia feels Deeney is among those who have benefitted from playing in the off-season.

“I think all the players are important and for sure Troy is one of them,” he said. “There were many players last season who were injured and we try this season to start with all the players in the best condition.

“We will see how things go during the season and in this moment we are just trying to recover all the players who had problems last season and I think we will be stronger than we were.”