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Leicester boss Craig Shakespeare has launched a £20m bid for Watford striker Troy Deeney.

Watford have turned down Leicester’s opening offer but they are expected to go back for the 29-year-old after making him their next transfer priority.

There is a feeling that Deeney could be allowed to leave Vicarage Road this summer for around £25m even though he is a huge favourite among the Watford fans.

Leicester made several attempts to sign Deeney last summer and had a £25m bid turned down before the Birmingham-born striker signed a new five year deal.

But just 12 months later, Leicester have come back and this time are hopeful of getting their man.

(Image: Action Images via Reuters)

Leicester still want Deeney and see him as a valuable acquisition as a centre forward and important presence in the dressing room, particularly after last season’s problems at the King Power Stadium.

It would also be seen as a popular signing with Leicester still fearful that Arsenal could come in for Riyad Mahrez who has said publicly he wants to leave.

Deeney struggled to hold down a regular place at Watford last season under former boss Walter Mazzarri.

(Image: Action Images via Reuters)

Deeney was outspoken with his criticism last season despite his own patchy form which did not make him universally popular.

The club could now be ready to move on under new boss Marco Silva who is looking to rebuild and improve the squad.