Watford’s cosmopolitan squad is not in the richest run of form right now and as a result of that, Walter Mazzarri is reportedly under pressure in a bid to keep his job. The former Inter Milan boss only took the role over the summer, but as we know when it comes to the Premier League managerial reigns can end pretty swiftly – just ask Bob Bradley!
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 can build 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’s now take a look at THREE players who Watford will look to sign this month…
Tom Cleverley
With Morgan Schneiderlin now an Everton player, the merry-go-round that is the January transfer window could take Tom Cleverley to Watford. Indeed, reports are claiming that a loan deal to take Englishman to Vicarage Road has been agreed, and it’s a deal that could make some sense for the Hornets.
With Roberto Pereyra out injured, the Hertfordshire outfit have looked short of creativity, and although Cleverley is not in the same bracket as the summer recruit from Juventus, he has shown in the past that he can pick a pass. So, a fresh start could get the one-time Man United man back to his best, which would benefit Watford as they look to avoid a relegation scrap.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek
Watford could possibly capture one of Premier League leaders Chelsea’s fringe players in the form 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 U-21 international has struggled to get a look in at Stamford Bridge since Antonio Conte’s arrival.
The soon to be 21-year-old has only a managed a solitary Premier League appearance this season and is now surely keen to move away from West London on a short-term loan 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 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 be the perfect place for Loftus-Cheek to show what he can do at this level.
Scott Hogan
A player in the Championship who has captured Watford’s eyes is Scott Hogan. Hogan has been terrorising defences in the England’s second tier this season and it’s his goalscoring exploits that have attracted the attention of Watford.
Hogan made his mark last season with a very impressive seven goals in just seven appearances, while this season he has continued to show a keen eye for the net with 14 in 25 outings. With that goal record in mind, many feel that the 24-year-old is ready to make the step-up to the top flight.
Some may say that Watford should be looking at strengthening other areas of their XI, but with the form of Odion Ighalo unrecognisable in comparison to last season then adding a striker who is in hot form my well be a smart move.
