Watford warn London duo off £22m raid for star performer

Watford have issued a firm warning to any clubs interested in signing Brazilian star Richarlison in the January transfer window.

The 20-year-old has been a revelation since his summer arrival from Fluminense, leading to plenty of speculation that both Tottenham and Chelsea were lining up to make a move for the attacker.

Richarlison only cost the Hornets £11.5million but they could comfortably command double that for a player who has already scored five Premier League goals and made a big impression so early in his career in England.

However, Watford chief executive Scott Duxbury is adamant that the South American will not be sold.

He told the Evening Standard: “We want Richarlison to be here for many more seasons.

“We are building a very competitive squad, we have no need to sell.

“We believe in the season being a race and that’s why we will never sell a player in January who we believe will help us.

“Nobody will be sold that we don’t want to. None of the players making an impact now will go.”