King is hungry to return to the top flight

King, 27, has been linked with a move to Derby but Boothroyd insisted he will not be allowed to leave Vicarage Road.

He said: "If we get into the Premier League we get �60m, so unless somebody has �60m, Marlon's going nowhere.

"We haven't received a bid and Derby haven't got enough money. As long as I am here, he will stay."

King missed much of Watford's brief stay in the top-flight last season through a knee injury.

606: DEBATE He'll look a fool when Chelsea weigh in with an offer of 59 million and he has to turn it down LKB

Boothroyd sold Hameur Bouazza to Fulham earlier in the summer and allowed Ashley Young to join Aston Villa during last January's transfer window, but is determined to hold on to his prize asset.

The Hornets boss said: "Hameur was a different kettle of fish, as was Ashley Young. Marlon King stays.

"He is part of the core of the team who won promotion in 2006, He missed out last year in the Premier League, 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.