Watford manager Aidy Boothroyd has labelled striker Marlon King a "talisman" and said it would take an astronomical offer for the Hornets to consider selling him.

Fulham have again been linked closely with a £4 million bid in the current transfer window while Reading are now thought to be ready to make a move for the goal-getter.

"I do not want Marlon to go anywhere," Boothroyd said. "He is the talisman of this club and he knows how much I want him to stay.

"It would take an exceptional offer of silly money for us even to consider letting Marlon go. He is an important part of our plans for the future.

"We are looking to strengthen the squad this month, not weaken it."

Watford missed King for almost the entire Premier League season last term but with him back in the side are sitting pretty in the Championship table, in second position level on points with top side West Brom and third-placed Bristol City.

Jonathan Symcox / Eurosport