FOLLOWING further speculation regarding the future of talented Hornet Tommy Smith today (Wednesday), Watford Chairman Jimmy Russo has issued the following statement.

Russo said: "It is with disappointment that I have read Brendan Rodgers' comments regarding our player Tommy Smith, in today's online edition of the Reading Evening Post.

"I am somewhat disturbed as to how Brendan knows Tommy's future intentions.

"His comments are not very respectful to the fans and the staff at Watford Football Club and he must not forget that Watford gave him his first managerial opportunity.

"Reading have failed to meet our valuation of the player in question, in fact last week I labelled the bid "derisory".

"I am more than happy to keep the player at the club if our valuation is not met. He is a fantastic player who will have a huge contribution on the pitch next season if he is still a Watford player.

"This also means that we do not have to purchase a replacement for him.

"Unless we receive the appropriate valuation for Tommy, through the correct channels, then we intend to keep the player at the club, this I can guarantee 100 per cent."