BLACKBURN Rovers have denied they have agreed a fee to sell leading marksman Rudy Gestede to Watford.

But they have confirmed that the Premier League new boys are interested in signing the 22-goal striker.

There were reports in the national media yesterday that promoted Watford are trying to convince Gestede to join them after shaking hands on a £6m deal with Rovers.

But Derek Shaw says those reports are ‘incorrect’.

Rovers managing director Shaw said: “We have not agreed a fee with Watford but they have expressed an interest.

“Rudy is not someone we are seeking to sell but we can’t prevent clubs from showing an interest.”

Rovers have always maintained the only way they would be prepared to sell Gestede and his strike-partner Jordan Rhodes is if potential suitors meet the asking prices set by owners Venky’s.

It is understood that the Ewood Park outfit would be looking for more than the £6m Watford are reportedly willing to pay for Gestede.

The 26-year-old has scored 34 goals in 65 appearances for Rovers since making a £200,000 move from Cardiff City in January 2014.

In January he was the subject of a £3.5m bid from Crystal Palace who, along with other top-flight outfits, have been linked with making a fresh offer.

Gestede, who finished his first full campaign at Rovers as their top scorer, admitted in April that he would like to play in the Premier League next season.

The Benin international said: “I hope to be in the Premier League next season. That’s my ambition.

“It’s all speculation at the minute but if I get the chance to find a club then I would love the challenge and take it if Blackburn want to sell me.

“I’m ready for the Premier League. I’ve been playing regularly for 18 months now. I just need the chance.”

Gestede and Rhodes, who is wanted by Middlesbrough, netted 41 league goals between them in 2014-15.

That meant they finished the campaign as the most prolific strike partnership in the Championship along with Watford’s Troy Deeney and Odion Ighalo, who is reportedly an £8m target for Swansea City.

Rovers boss Gary Bowyer, who has been linked with outgoing Cardiff City striker Nicky Maynard, this week confirmed he does not plan to sign an out-and-out forward unless Gestede or Rhodes leave.

Bowyer can only sign players on loan and on free transfers after the club failed Financial Fair Play.