Troy Deeney makes transfer request
Walsall today confirmed Troy Deeney has handed in a transfer request.
Walsall today confirmed Troy Deeney has handed in a transfer request.
The striker has stated his desire to quit the Saddlers after Watford had four bids rejected.
The 22-year-old's representatives slapped a request in at the Banks's Stadium yesterday afternoon – and not Monday morning as previously reported.
The Saddlers issued firm denials Deeney had submitted a request on Monday but have now revealed he wants to leave.
"Walsall FC can today confirm that a written transfer has been submitted by the representatives of Troy Deeney, this is currently being considered by manager Chris Hutchings," said a club statement.
"The club will be making no further comment at this stage."
Hutchings and the board are expected to decide whether to accept Deeney's request within the next 24 hours and it blows a massive hole in their preparations for Saturday's League One opener against Milton Keynes Dons.
Championship outfit Watford have been hunting Deeney all year and it seems their pursuit of the striker is about to pay off.
Their last bid of £375,000 was rejected on Thursday and boss Malky Mackay is expected to return with a fifth offer imminently.
Deeney, the Saddlers' reigning Player of the Season, has not been granted permission to speak to Watford but could be a Hornets player but the time they go to Norwich on Friday.
He top scored with 14 goals as Walsall finished 10th in League One – their highest position for six years.
But Deeney was understood to be unhappy about being unable to speak to Watford and has now moved to force through a switch to Vicarage Road.
But winger Steve Jones has urged fans not to turn against Deeney if he plays against the Dons at the Banks's Stadium on Saturday.
He wants his pal to stay and urges supporters to back the want-away striker while he is still at the club.
He said: "Of course, he scored goals last year and that proves everything, he gives everything for the club.
"Look at Huddersfield away when we were down to 10 men, he literally hauled us back into the game singled handedly. He works hard for the team.
"He gives 100 per cent and is a sensible, down to earth lad and that's all you need."
