Watford's pre-season preparations are well and truly underway, but with just one month until the transfer window closes the pressure is on the ensure that the squad are ready for the season ahead.

Javi Gracia has wasted little time in doing his transfer business after signing Ben Wilmot, Marc Navarro, Gerard Deulofeu, Adam Masina, Ben Foster and Ken Sema.

There's still more work to do, so here's a look at the main tasks on Watford's to-do list.

Convince Abdoulaye Doucoure and Richarlison to stay

The summer transfer window always brings a number of transfer rumours - and no one attracts more than the Watford duo.

Doucoure was undoubtedly the best player for the Hornets last season and has gone strength to strength since arriving at the club two years ago.

As for Richarlison, he's one of the hottest prospects in world football, meaning it's no surprise that the big boys have been circling.

Despite the fact that both players are destined for the very top, it's essential that Watford retain the duo.

Watford are in the fortunate position where they don't need to sell their best players and therefore should be looking to build a team around Doucoure and Richarlison.

If Gracia can keep hold of both players it's not only a real signal of intent, but will also set the team up for a decent crack at a top half finish this term.

Trim the fat

While Watford are in the process of building a really exciting squad of players, there's still a few who are likely to be deemed surplus to requirements.

Aside from the goalkeepers, the Hornets are a little bloated in both defence and midfielder, meaning that a number of players could be moved on this summer.

With Gracia keen to sign another two or three players this summer, it will be on his to-do list to get some players off the wage bill who are unlikely to feature so that the money can be used on signing worthwhile replacements.

Make a decision on Troy Deeney's future

Much has been made of reports in the national press that the Hornets skipper was being made available for £10million.

Granted, Deeney failed to hit the heights last season - but the 29-year-old still has an awful lot to offer the Watford squad.

Of course the striker is likely to seek regular first team football, but Gracia would be foolish not to do everything within his power to keep a character like Deeney within the Watford camp next season.

The striker still has a lot to offer, and if he was allowed to move on it would be essential that Deeney was suitably replaced before the close of the transfer window.

(Image: Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)

Sign a top striker

Watford's biggest shortcoming last term was the lack of firepower in front of goal.

The fact that Abdoulaye Doucoure was the club's top scorer with a tally of seven was a bit of a wake-up call that the Hornets need to make some improvements in that department.

Stefano Okaka has failed to meet expectations, while Andre Gray and Troy Deeney have both been linked with a summer move away from Vicarage Road; meaning that the role of star striker is very much up for grabs.

It's likely that it'll be a case of one-out, one-in for Watford's attack - but with the season just over a month away Javi Gracia will be anxious to get a new poacher in place.

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