The definition of close can vary wildly, but with Watford’s moves to bring in new players likely to take the remainder of the transfer window it’s a word Tom Cleverley won’t use again when it comes to defining how near a deal is to completion.

The head coach said the signings of a striker and a defender were ‘close’ a week ago, but seven days later and no new faces have arrived.

“It looks like it’s definitely going down to the last week or so,” he admitted in his press conference today.

“It’s the old domino effect of clubs signing players in order to be able to release their players.

“Although it’s frustrating for everyone it’s the nature of the beast but I still expect new faces to come in. I’m still confident we will execute a couple of the transfer targets we’ve got.

“But I don’t think you’ll hear me saying it’s close next time.

“I’m still learning. This is my first window, and it’s not as easy as identifying your targets and then executing that.

“It’s been a difficult process, and I feel that with the work that has been put in by so many people we deserve to be successful.”

With the delayed arrival of new signings, fingers become pointed at others at London Colney with the suggestion Cleverley is not being backed and supported.

“It’s definitely not the case,” said the Watford boss.

“The club have been so collaborative about who the targets are, where we think we can improve and recruiting to my style of play.

“It’s been really refreshing because, as a player, you don’t see that. You only really know what you read.

“Between myself, Scott and Gianluca I don’t think there’s been an hour down the training ground that we don’t cover.

“We’re all constantly putting the work in and it’s good to see people giving their everything to the football club. You can’t ask for much more.”