Watford coach Marco Silva dismisses Bournemouth's Benik Afobe link

Watford boss Marco Silva has dismissed reports linking Bournemouth’s Benik Afobe to the club as rumour.

There had been speculations surrounding the former Arsenal forward’s future at the Vitality Stadium, one which was also thrashed by coach Eddie Howe - who reiterated the 24-year-old's worth to his setup.

Afobe who netted six goals in 31 league outings last season has seen his influence wane at Bournemouth following the acquisition of veteran England striker Jermaine Defoe in the summer. 11 of his 16 league appearances this season have been as a substitute and he is yet to open his account in the top-flight this season.

However, Silva confirmed that the DR Congo international’s latest link away from the Cherries ‘is not true’.

“It is not true but it is important that we don’t talk about each player who is in the newspaper because you won’t do anything else,” Silva was quoted as saying by Watford Observer.

“Nothing has happened about Afobe, but of course we need and want to bring players in for the team to improve.”