Javi Gracia says he would like to see the money gained from Richarlison’s sale reinvested in his Watford squad, but concedes the decision to do so is out of his hands.

Watford have made a £30 million plus profit on the £44m sale of the Brazilian winger who was a key member of the Hornets’ squad last season, playing 41 times in all competitions.

With question marks still remaining over Watford’s strikers as well as the potential need to reinforce at centre-back, there are plenty of areas where the money made on Richarlison could be spent.

Gracia admits that he would happily indulge in some consumer therapy if he had control of the purse strings at Vicarage Road, but accepts he has little say on financial matters.

The Spanish head coach said: “It is not my money. If you ask me if I would like to invest, for sure, but this question is for the owner not me.”

While Gracia would like more players in his Watford squad, he retains a confidence in his current playing staff to produce should no new names arrive before the transfer window closes.

He said: “Whether we get new players in or not, we are going to be a good team with identity, soul and energy to compete in the Premier League.”