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Watford’s cosmopolitan squad is not in the richest vein of form right now and as a result of that Walter Mazzari is reportedly under pressure in a bid to keep his job. The former Inter Milan boss only took the job last Summer but as we know when it comes to the Premier League, managerial reigns can end nearly as soon as they have begun.
Like most clubs in the bottom half the task this month for Watford will be to add some new faces to the squad to make sure that they earn some breathing space between themselves and the three unfortunate sides in the relegation zone.
Last season saw Watford hit a post New Year slump and Hornets fans will be hoping that the same does not happen again this time around. Their safety is certainly not a given just yet and they arguably still lack a bit of quality throughout the side.
So that said let us now take a look at three players who Watford will look to sign this month
Henri Lansbury
Watford certainly have an international flavour to them as of late with their lineups resembling that of a United Nations delegation but one of their primary targets in this transfer window lies closer to home, that being Nottingham Forest midfielder Henri Lansbury.
The twice European Cup champions have already turned down a bid of £2.5m from local rivals Derby County but that has not seemed to have put an end to Watford’s interest as they continue to monitor the progress of the former Arsenal academy graduate.
The added twist to the transfer tale is the fact that Lansbury’s contract at the City Ground expires in the Summer and he is now free to talk to other clubs in regards to a move for next season. But Watford are not willing to wait the required 6 months and are ready to make a bid now.
The departure of Lansbury would be a real blow to what has been a struggling Forest side this season, a team that has not been helped by the continuing takeover talks by an American consortium. With the clubs status up in the air this may well be the perfect time for Watford to pounce.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek
Should the completion of a move for Henri Lansbury not come to fruition then Watford could possibly avert their attention to capturing one of Premier League leaders Chelsea’s fringe players, that being the potential loan signing of Ruben Loftus Cheek.
After being given his Chelsea debut under Jose Mourinho in December 2014 and trusted with a fair amount of game time under last season’s interim manager Guus Hiddink. the England Under 21 international has struggled to get a look in at Stamford Bridge under Antonio Conte.
The soon to turn 21 year old has only a managed to earn a solitary Premier League appearance to his name this season and is now keen to move away from West London on a short term basis to get some much needed minutes under his belt.
Although his progress into the first team has been halted he is still held in very high regard by the Chelsea hierarchy. They will want to make sure that he makes a move that will be of most benefit to his development and fellow top flight outfit Watford could almost be the perfect place for Loftus-Cheek to show what he can do at this level.
Scott Hogan
Another player in The Championship who has captured Watford’s eyes is that of Scott Hogan. Hogan has been terrorising defences in the England’s second tier this season and it’s his goal scoring exploits that have attracted the attention of Watford.
Hogan made his mark on The Championship last season with a very impressive 7 goals in just 7 appearances while this season he has continued to show a keen eye for goal with 14 goals coming in 25 outings for the West London club. With that goal record in mind many feel that the 24 year old is ready to make the step up to the top flight.
Brentford have already turned down a £7m bid from fellow Championship side Reading and if Watford are going to land the services of Hogan then the likelihood is that they will have to bid in the region of £15m for a move to come to fruition.
Some may say that Watford should be looking at strengthening other areas of the pitch but with the form of Odion Ighalo almost non existent in comparison to last season then adding a striker who is in hot form my well be a smart move by Walter Mazzari.
