Watford will sign four or five players with Premier League experience, says captain Troy Deeney

Troy Deeney expects Watford to bring in “four or five” players with proven Premier League experience as the Hornets bid to survive in the top flight next season.

After two failed bids to remain in the Premier League in 2000 and 2007 the club are aware of the need to strengthen, and Deeney is aware there can be no room for sympathy and loyalty when it comes to building a side to stay up.

The club captain told Talksport this morning: “Speaking to the owner I feel they will be bringing in some lads with Premier League experience. It is not going to be a case like Burnley's, where they have said 'we are going to stick with you lot'.

“Sentiment won't be held by our owner. He is very much 'you are in the Prem now so get the job done.'”

Gino Pozzo has built an impressive global talent network through his ownership of Watford, Italian side Udinese and Granada in Spain, but the owner is clear that Watford need Premiership experience for next season.

"I think there will probably be four or five lads coming in with Premier League experience and then there are people like myself who are absolutely buzzing to be there,” Deeney said.

“So hopefully there will be that mix of people who know what they are doing and those with the silly ideas like myself, running around making it hard for people. Hopefully it blends well."