Blackburn Rovers have rejected a first bid from Watford for Adam Armstrong.

The Sun says Watford saw a £15million bid for Armstrong turned down.

Rovers owners Venky's snubbed the move and also the chance to take forward Andre Gray on loan for a season as part of the deal.

Blackburn will demand £25m for Armstrong, 24, as they have to give Newcastle 40 per cent of the profit.

Even if Rovers sell Armstrong, boss Tony Mowbray may still be restricted to loan captures.

Watford want to find a temporary home for Gray, 30, who has fallen out of favour at Vicarage Road.

But they will ask for a wage contribution of around £30,000 a week — to offset his £80,000-a-week salary.

That may prove a bit too high for Blackburn to stomach.