Troy Deeney proves WHY Leicester, Swansea and Aston Villa want him at £8m

Troy Deeney (left) scores for Watford to open his account for the new season[GETTY]

The copious striker struck first on opening day of the season – carrying on from last season’s 25-goal haul – as Watford ran out 3-0 victors over Bolton.

That is the form that has seen Leicester, Swansea and Aston Villa all prompt an interest in taking him up to the top tier for £8million.

And Beppe Sannino’s buzzing side also saw returning prodigal striking son Matej Vydra score on his second debut after enduring a tough stint last term at West Brom.

Italian boss Sannino is under pressure to do a lot better than last season’s 13th-place end, and if he keeps his dynamic duo together the sky is the limit.

He said: “I want Troy Deeney to stay. The partnership is very strong and can work together but I have other strikers here too. I am also very pleased to have Heurelho Gomes here – he is a big man and also a big player.”

But Dougie Freedman’s Bolton, hamstrung in the transfer market by huge debts, were found out and even booed off at half-time by their fans.

They were almost behind within 10 seconds, when Deeney pounced on a poor back pass from debutant Dean Moxey only to fire wide.

But Deeney soon made up for the miss. Latching on to a long ball up the left, Deeney scooped a lob over Andy Lonergan from a tight angle.

Six minutes later the other half of Watford’s strike partnership was on the scoresheet – and back in the old routine after 22 goals for the Hornets two years ago.

Vydra cut back on to his left foot and slotted the ball through Lonergan’s legs. Fernando Forestieri wrapped up the points with the third.

Freedman was envious of Watford’s strike force. He said: “They are two of the best strikers in the division to start with. You give those chances, they will take them.

“At least we have games to come immediately afterwards to get it out of our system, but it was a very disappointing day for us.”