Watford have rejected a £10 million bid from Burnley for Mamadou Doumbia.
Reports stated the Premier League club's interest in the Mali international yesterday and we can confirm an offer was made but that Watford have turned it down.
The Hornets were already preparing to reflect Doumbia’s progress by handing him a new contract and hope to announce that he has committed his long-term future to the club soon.
The move is the latest sign of Gino Pozzo’s intention to keep hold of his best players this summer, with the Watford Observer also told that the club have rejected interest in Giorgi Chakvetadze and Kwadwo Baah.
More: [Baah exclusive: 'I'm happy at Watford - we want promotion this season'](https://www.watfordobserver.co.uk/news/25314408.kwadwo-baah-exclusive-im-happy-watford---want-promotion-season/?ref=ial)
The owner has stated his desire to challenge for promotion in the 2025/26 season – and is intent on ensuring he receives maximum value for any player he sells, hence the offer from Burnley being rejected.
Watford see Doumbia as an important part of their plans this season, expecting him to provide fierce competition for Luca Kjerrumgaard – [arriving at the club imminently](https://www.watfordobserver.co.uk/sport/25310468.luca-kjerrumgaard-set-medical-watford/) – and Vivaldo Semedo in the attacking ranks.
The 19-year-old impressed in his first season at Vicarage Road, scoring twice in 19 appearances as he adjusted to English football quickly.
That progress is set to continue this season, should a new contract get signed as expected.