TOWN'S directors have unanimously rejected a bid from Watford for striker Sam Parkin.

Sandy Gray has confirmed to the Evening Advertiser that the Hornets are the first club to transform interest into a firm offer.

She was not prepared to reveal the exact amount, only to confirm that it was a six-figure sum which fell substantially short of the club's valuation.

Parkin has a trigger clause in his contract, thought to be around £450,000, which allows him to speak to other clubs if such an amount is forthcoming.

However, Parkin's former club Chelsea would receive a quarter of any transfer fee.

Gray said: "I can confirm that we have had a formal offer from Watford for Sam Parkin but it has been rejected.

"It fell short of the figure we feel Sam is worth and we have heard nothing back from them since.

"The directors discussed the offer and it was felt that it was right to say no. As I've said before, we see Sam as part of our plans and he is also under contract."

It remains to be seen whether the Hornets come back with an increased bid.

Parkin himself is looking at a long distance switch albeit a temporary one.

The 24-year-old is heading Down Under in the next few days for an Australian adventure and he admits it will be beneficial to escape from speculation, if only for a short period.

It is gradually becoming a question of naming the clubs the striker hasn't been linked with.

Parkin said: "Which club have I been linked with today? It's good to keep up with these things.

"It isn't a question of getting fed-up with all the speculation though.

"You just learn to treat everything with a pinch of salt.

"As it is I'm, looking forward to flying off to Australia and meeting up with a mate.

"I think we're going to do some trekking and I've a funny feeling that some of the places we'll be visiting won't be too handy when it comes to getting a signal on the mobile.

"I am a bit of a worrier and I think it will be good to just try and unwind."

While Parkin's summer 'tour' features Australia it won't include any trips to Scotland.

He has been omitted from the 27-man Scotland squad for next month's World Cup qualifying double header against Moldova and Belarus.

Not that Parkin was anticipating a call from Walter Smith.

His international debut lasted just 23 minutes, a hip injury forcing him out of the action against Austria in Vienna last month.

He said: "I wasn't expecting to be included at all.

"Hopefully there will be another chance to play for the Scotland Future side and as I've consistently said, if I keep scoring goals at club level then hopefully an opportunity will be there for me."

Meanwhile, the Advertiser can reveal that the club has received an enquiry for defender Sean O'Hanlon.

SAM Parkin is thought to be interesting Crewe although the Railwaymen have now moved to secure the services of a striker.

Dario Gradi has signed former Stockport County forward Mat Bailey on a one-year deal.

The 19-year-old was released by the Hatters in March but has since trained with the Alex.

Former Town target Rowan Vine is in line for a permanent switch from Portsmouth to Championship new boys Luton.

The striker spent the 2004-5 campaign on loan at Kenilworth Road, scoring nine goals, and manager Mike Newell is anxious to bring him on board.

He said: "We want to bring Rowan to the club but it's up to Portsmouth."

QPR boss Ian Holloway has revealed he would take Cardiff midfielder Richard Langley back to Loftus Road as long as the Jamaican international took a big pay cut.

Sheffield United have agreed a fee with Championship rivals Millwall for defender Darren Ward. The centre-back must now decide whether to discuss a move to Bramall Lane.

Peterborough are waiting for Hull to make a concrete offer for midfielder Curtis Woodhouse.

Relegated Posh are reluctantly prepared to sell the former Birmingham for the right price believed to be in the region of £100,000.