Watford are aiming to make at least another three signings in the coming weeks and manager Malky Mackay hopes to bring in a new player before their next league game against Barnsley.

The Hornets were unable to bring in any new additions before the transfer window closed on Tuesday but Mackay claimed it was not for the “want of trying” and that four deals fell through on the final day.

But the loan window re-opens on Tuesday and the manager said he would “certainly look to bring another three in”. And when asked whether he aims to sign a player before the Hornets’ next league game in eight days time, he replied “Yes, I am actively looking. The recruitment process doesn’t stop today once the window closes.”

Mackay refused to discuss any individuals but the Watford Observer understands Hornets legend Heidar Helguson is one possible recruit after being made aware of his availability by Queens Park Rangers.

The Icelandic striker is reportedly available on loan following the signing of Jay Simpson from Arsenal and we understand the two clubs have been discussing a possible three-month loan switch.

If all parties agree then Helguson, who scored 64 goals during his five-and-a-half year spell at Vicarage Road, could return from Tuesday when the loan window opens, although it is believed there is still some way to go in the negotiations.

Norwich City midfielder Wes Hoolahan has also been linked with a move to Hertfordshire, as has his team-mate Gary Doherty.

Tamas Priskin, Tommy Smith, Jobi McAnuff and Mike Williamson have all been sold in recent weeks and despite not signing any replacements, Mackay insists Watford were close on a couple of occasions.

The Scot said: “We are in a small bracket of clubs going for a number of players.

“There were four different players that for one reason or another we couldn’t agree but were in advanced negotiations with either the club, the player or his agent.

“We want to bring players into the club and not just loans.”

Watford are eager to bring in experience but Mackay is adamant he will not sign someone unless they are right for the club.

He said: “We want to bring in players who want to better their careers and not just a journeyman who is looking to fill the last part of his career here. I do not advocate that at all.

“We didn’t want to buy someone and then regret it for the next three years.

“When we sign someone we want to get it right and if that means waiting until December and using the loan market for the next few months then so be it.”

Danny Graham, 24, 30-year-old Scott Severin and Jure Travner, 23, were signed at the beginning of the transfer window but the only recent additions have been youngsters Tom Cleverley and Henri Lansbury from Manchester United and Arsenal respectively.

The Hornets fielded six players under the age of 22 in their starting line-up against Swansea City on Saturday and Mackay is keen to replace the likes of Smith with a couple of players with knowledge of the Championship.

He said: “I want to build the squad and bring in two or three experienced players into the squad.

“I realise we lost experienced players and I am actively looking to bring experience into the group but if the players are good enough to certainly play Championship football, I won’t hesitate to go for a young player who will improve my squad.

“If you look at our midfield on Saturday, we had two 18-year-olds, a 20-year-old and a 26-year-old and up against an experienced Swansea midfield. Did they look out of place? I didn’t think so.”