Troy Deeney: A target for a number of Premier League clubs

Deeney is regarded as arguably the best striker outside the Premier League after breaking the 20-goal barrier for the second consecutive season for Watford in the Championship.

The former Walsall man scored 20 goals last season to propel Watford to the play-off final and he has already surpassed that tally this term with 22 goals for the Hornets to make him one of the hottest properties around.

As well as being prolific in front of goal Deeney has established himself as an all-round striker having created ten assists last season and five so far this term.

Deeney's form over the last 18 months has seen him come to the attention of a number of top Premier League sides and Villa are hoping to steal a march on their rivals as they look to lure him to Villa Park.

Villa boss Paul Lambert is understood to have made striking reinforcements one of his top priorities this summer and he sees Deeney as someone who can solve their goalscoring problems.

Lambert and his scouting team are understood to be planning to cast an eye over Deeney during the Easter Bank Holiday weekend as they continue to monitor his progress.

Several other Premier League clubs, including Newcastle, are monitoring Deeney's situation at Vicarage Road and Watford are bracing themselves for interest in the striker this summer

Birmingham-born Deeney is understood to be keen on plying his trade in the Premier League and Villa are ready to test Watford's resolve to keep hold of the 25-year-old

Watford would be loath to lose their star striker, but they are aware they could face a fight to keep hold of him if any of his Premier League suitors firm up their interest in Deeney with a bid in excess of £8million.