Premier League clubs believe Watford may be willing to make a shock deadline day sale of either Odion Ighalo or Troy Deeney.
That is despite both of the Hornets' star strikers signing long-term contracts this summer.
The chances of either leaving Vicarage Road appear very remote, but clubs looking for strikers have been given some indication of encouragement.
The pair struck up a formidable partnership at the start of last season but their understanding fizzled out towards the back end and neither has yet found the net this campaign.