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Watford unlikely to sell Troy Deeney in January - Marco Silva

Troy Deeney is happy at Watford and is unlikely to be sold next month, manager Marco Silva has said.

Captain Deeney, 29, returned to Watford's starting line-up in the 1-1 draw with Tottenham last weekend after scoring from the bench at Manchester United in his first match back following a three-game suspension.

But Deeney's start against Spurs was only his fourth for the Hornets in the Premier League this season after failing to land a regular place under new boss Silva.

Deeney has been linked with a move away from Vicarage Road when the transfer window opens next month -- with sources telling ESPN FC that Everton manager Sam Allardyce is among his pursuers -- but Silva insists the club have no interest in moving their skipper on.

"I'm sure he's happy here," Silva said. "What he did today in training was work normally and he comes here with that approach to his teammates and all the staff.

"I want him to fight and work every day to keep his position and if he does not keep his position I expect him to work hard to win it back. That is what I expect of Troy.

"I don't want to talk about Troy, Richarlison, Stefano Okaka, Isaac Success leaving in January. In each moment we will decide what is the best for Watford.

"I don't know anything about any offers for Troy. I don't want anybody to leave in January. We only want to buy."

Silva meanwhile revealed that defender Younes Kaboul has suffered a setback in his recovery from a hamstring injury.

The former Tottenham defender has played just twice this season after he limped off in Watford's 2-0 victory at Southampton back in September.

Kaboul had been expected to return to first-team action in December, but Silva, who was speaking ahead of his side's Premier League trip to Burnley on Saturday, confirmed it is unlikely the Frenchman will feature until the New Year.

Long-term absentees' Craig Cathcart and Nathaniel Chalobah will also be absent from Watford's travelling party to Turf Moor, while Miguel Britos, injured against Newcastle last month, could also miss out.

"Younes is still unavailable to play and it is a big concern for us a team," Silva added. "He's a big player for us.

"We also have problems over really important players like Chalobah and doubts over Britos. It won't be fast but during December it looks impossible for Younes to play again."

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