Watford set to miss out on key transfer windfall ahead of Millwall clash as Tom Cleverley makes honest admission

Watford could be set to miss out on a vital transfer windfall as they prepare to take on Millwall in their Championship season-opener. The Hornets are expected to push towards the play-offs under Tom Cleverley this season, but they could do with more new arrivals having only snapped up two paid for deals and two free signings.

With Ismaël Koné having left the club, the Hornets could do with more quality of they want to compete for promotion this season, and Cleverley has admitted as much. He told the Watford Observer when asked if new arrivals are needed: “Yes, I think the pre-season has highlighted that. But I must focus on the players I’ve got at the minute. I don’t think it was our best performance. We’ve got a lot of work to do.”

With only just over a week until Watford kick off their Championship campaign, fans will be concerned about the lack of incomings, and especially after Cleverley’s admission and a pre-season defeat to lower league opposition in Wycombe Wanderers.

Finances could be a sticking point, even if Watford generally are able to spend, but they won’t be helped by the exit of Wesley Hoedt potentially falling through. According to Haber Anlik, Trabzonspor are now reconsidering a deal they were eyeing for Hoedt due to the Dutchman picking up an injury against Wycombe. The deal is reportedly worth more than £1million.

Hoedt picked up a knee injury that saw swelling in the area, and he has struggled with injury issues of late. Trabzonspor are said to be waiting to see what the damage is before deciding whether they will continue with a deal. With the situation in the air, the Hornets could be set to miss out on an important transfer windfall.

Meanwhile, Cleverley is focused on preparing his side for the Millwall clash after the humbling pre-season clash with Wycombe. He said of the Adams Park test: “I think the fixture was good for us because it could mirror what to expect in the first game of the season. We will have to deal with that better. Although we want to control the game and control the possession, there are 11 players out there trying to make things not so perfect for you.

“We have to deal with those moments. We’re not as hard to score against as we showed in the nine games at the end of last season, and that’s something I need to address.”