Slaven Bilic gave the first hints of his plans for the January transfer window after the defeat to Coventry, saying his discussions with the club about plans for bolstering the squad indicate “one or two players, definitely” will be added.

The Watford head coach has said from the day he arrived that he had earmarked the World Cup break as important, both as a chance to get his squad together for a mini pre-season, but also as the time when he could assess who was fit and available, and what he needed to supplement the existing group.

Have those discussions been happening with the owner?

“Yes, but not detailed,” said Bilic.

“We are training with the guys and we are there with them, and we have enough time to notice what we need.

“We are not committed to anything because it’s a serious job, but we know the areas. After the next couple of games, after we’ve been to Bristol, then we’re going to talk about those things.”

Did that mean Bilic had been assured he could bring players in where he felt they were required?

“I think so, but first we have a few players to come back in those areas we have identified so we have to be thinking deeply,” he said.

“If this is the squad as it is now then we have needs in a few areas, but with a few players coming back then that limits the areas.”

Bilic added that he was aligned with the rest of the club in what the aims are, and that any new players had to be of the quality to make a difference.

“One thing about this club is we have a clear ambition, and what we want to do. It’s not easy and it requires good players, it’s as simple as that,” he said.

“Then you have the question of who, how much money, blah blah blah.

“But definitely what I have been told is that we are going to try to get quality players. Not too many because we don’t need too many, but one or two players, definitely.”

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