Boothroyd rules out move for £60m King
Watford boss Adrian Boothroyd today told Barclays Premier League clubs to forget about signing Marlon King – unless they are prepared to pay £60m for the forward.
King has been linked with a move to Derby this week, and feels he has a score to settle with top-flight football after missing so much of Watford’s unsuccessful 2006/07 Premiership campaign due to a knee injury.
Boothroyd sold Hameur Bouazza to Fulham earlier in the summer and allowed Ashley Young to join Aston Villa in January – but he insists he will not allow King to quit Vicarage Road.
“We haven’t received a bid – and they (Derby) don’t have enough money,” said Boothroyd.
“If we get into the Premier League, we get £60m, so unless someone’s got £60m, Marlon isn’t going anywhere. Simple as that. Hameur Bouazza was a different kettle of fish, as was Ashley Young. Marlon King stays.
“As long as I am here, he is here. He will stay. All these reports are just speculation.”
King’s opinion of his manager’s stance remains to be heard.
The 27-year-old has made no secret of his desire to return to the top division, but now appears to face at least one more year in the Coca-Cola Championship.
Boothroyd continued: “Is Marlon happy? I would think so. He was when I saw him last. He stays. He is part of the core of the team who won promotion (in 2006).
“He missed out last year in the Premiership, but he is going to get us back there. He is a key part of my plans, so a move isn’t going to happen. He is staying.”
