Troy Deeney: Watford boss Zola 'confident' of keeping striker

Watford boss Gianfranco Zola has said he expects to keep hold of top scorer Troy Deeney.

The 25-year-old has scored five in four games this term, attracting reported interest from Premier League clubs.

Zola insisted he was unaware of any bids, but said: "This is something the club is dealing with. I wouldn't be surprised because he's doing very well.

He added: "I am confident he can stay with us and help us achieve what we want to achieve."

Tottenham, West Ham and Fulham have been linked with the striker, who was on target 20 times last season.

Sunday's 1-1 draw against Nottingham Forest was the first time the former Walsall frontman had failed to get his name on the scoresheet this term, having been well restricted by the visiting defence.

"I'm expecting much more from Troy and he knows that," said Zola.

"He's capable of more than that. But it's normal. Right now all the attention of the defenders is on him.

"That's why I am expecting other people to step up to give him a bit of release, but if we rely on him all the time it is tough."

Former Forest midfielder Lewis McGugan struck Watford's equaliser with a superb free-kick, but Zola had a similar message for the 24-year-old.

"I'm expecting more than that. It's not just about scoring a goal, which I know he can do," said the ex-West Ham boss.

"It's about being more affective on the pitch, working on going forward and defence as well."