By Pete O'Rourke - Follow me: <a href= http://bit.ly/lsiOza' class='instorylink'>@skysportspeteo</a>
Friday 1 June 2012 16:57, UK
Image:Adrian Mariappa: £2million bid rejected by Reading for the defender
Watford have rejected a £2million bid from Reading for defender Adrian Mariappa.
Watford fight to keep hold of Mariappa
Watford have rejected a £2million bid from Reading for defender Adrian Mariappa.
As revealed by skysports.com last week, Reading were lining up a move for highly-rated stopper Mariappa as they prepare for life back in the Premier League.
However, Watford are determined to keep last season's Player of the Year and have rejected Reading's offer.
Mariappa's future at Watford has been the subject of speculation for the last six months with both Newcastle and Wigan seeing bids for the player turned down.
The 25-year-old is regarded as one of the best defensive talents outside the Premier League after impressing at Watford over the last couple of years.
Reading boss Brian McDermott is thought to be a big admirer of Mariappa and it remains to be seen if he will come back with an improved offer for the centre-back.
