Slaven Bilic says Watford may have completed the signing of young Portuguese right-back Joao Ferreira in time for him to feature in Saturday’s FA Cup game, but made it clear the club would need to do more business in the January transfer window.

Ferreira, 21, has spent this season on loan from Benfica to Rio Aves, and has made nine appearances as substitute in Liga Portugal, as well three starts in cup competitions.

Having progressed through the youth ranks at Benfica, he made 20 appearances for their B-team in Liga 2 in the 2020/21 campaign before spending last season on loan at Vitoria Guimareas where he made 18 appearances and scored once.

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Capped by Portugal at all age groups from Under-15 to Under-19, Ferreira has spent virtually all his career at right-back but has also played on the right side of midfield and also at left-back.

“He’s a good, talented young player who is mainly a right-sided defender which gives us options. Right now, that is what we need,” said Bilic.

“Watford are a club that likes to find strong, young, talented players. This boy is that.

“I am hoping the signing will be completed later this week and that he may be eligible for the cup game on Saturday.

“There is still some paperwork to be done. Things like the work permit.

“I’ve had the chance to talk to him, and he tells me he’s fit and ready to go. He seems hungry, he wants to play.

“Like I say there is still things to be done before the signing is complete. If we are able to give him game time on Saturday and see him in a match environment then we will.”

With so many players ruled out at the moment, Bilic stressed the need for the club to make this January transfer window a successful one.

“We have some players who we can’t count on for the next four, six, eight weeks. That means if the club wants to achieve its goals, we have to be active in the transfer window,” he said.

“We have to be. We have been active already and we will have a couple of new players who will be eligible for the cup game at Reading. But we will need more than that.

“There is still more business we need to do - as I have said before I think the priorities are in midfield and on the flanks.”