Mooney on the Troy Deeney saga

Former Walsall ace Tommy Mooney reckons the Saddlers will cave if Watford return for Troy Deeney.

The Hornets were today believed to be preparing a fifth offer for the striker – who has reportedly handed in a transfer request.

That has been vigorously denied by the club, who rejected Watford's fourth offer of £375,000 last week.

But Mooney, who spent seven years at Vicarage Road, reckons if the Championship side up their offer the Saddlers will find it hard to resist.

He said: "They will have a figure in mind. They are averaging crowds of less than 5,000 and any team like that isn't in a position to turn down good transfer fees.

"Their most sellable asset is Troy and eventually they will have to take the money.

"He's a very good footballer and it's a good opportunity to go to Watford and enhance his career – if Walsall get the figure they want. It's a good deal for everyone concerned.

"They picked him up from non-league on a free, so it's good for Walsall because they're not flush with cash."

But Mooney, who played with Deeney during his one season with the Saddlers in 2007-08, hailed the club for their hardline stance.

"When I was there the major disappointment was being promised we would finish the season with Scott Dann and Dan Fox but they went on the cheap," said the 38-year-old, who scored 12 goals for Walsall.

"As they proved with their next moves from Coventry that was a major mistake.

"Had we held on to them we could have got £500,000 more and maybe even got promotion.

"They've learned their lesson, the club made a big mistake then but are trying to get what they can for Troy."

Former Birmingham striker Mooney says he spotted the 22-year-old's potential when he was a teenager.

"I knew him very well. When I moved to Walsall Richard Money want me to take Troy under my wing as he was very raw," said the retired Mooney from his home in Marbella.

"He's really taken over my role and done very well. He's not going to beat three players and score, he's more of an old fashioned centre forward and I'd love him to go to a club I know so well."