Gianfranco Zola says the Hornets beat off competition from “very important” European clubs to sign defender Essaïd Belkalem.

Watford have yet to confirm the Algerian international’s arrival but last week Udinese’s sporting director Cristiano Giaretta stated he was joining the Championship side.

The Hornets head coach said: “There have been a few very important clubs in Europe after him but we’ve beaten them to the signing.

“He is someone that potentially could be a very, very important player.”

While Belkalem is set to arrive at Vicarage Road, two players have departed this week.

Midfielder Jonathan Hogg and young striker Britt Assombalonga have signed for Huddersfield United and Peterborough United respectively. Hogg’s departure leaves a gap in the Hornets midfield and Zola says Watford are looking to replace the 24-year-old.

Zola said: “Jonathan has left one vacant position that we will look to fill. We might need to look at another position but at the moment we are okay.”

Watford have signed all their foreign imports on permanent deals because they want to leave their loan allocation free for domestic players.

The Football League brought foreign loan rules in line with those for domestic players.

This means the match-day squad can only include five loan players and four borrowed from one club. Teams must also field six home-grown players in their 18-man match-day squad.

Players are eligible for such status if they have registered in the English or Welsh leagues for three years before their 21st birthday.

With Hogg and Assombalonga leaving, the home-grown rule will influence the Hornets’ recruitment policy.

Watford were always planning to bring in a young British midfielder on loan and we understand that will be in addition to Hogg’s replacement.

The Hornets are also planning on bringing in a third-choice goalkeeper and are still debating whether to sign another striker and left wing back, after they decided against signing Jaime Romero.