Malky Mackay says Watford are currently unable to bring in any new signings as they are waiting on other clubs but the manager confirmed he would like to bring Henri Lansbury back to Vicarage Road.

The Hornets are keen to strengthen in a number of positions this summer, in particular up front and at left-back.

The Watford Observer understands the club have targeted an experienced left-back but face stiff competition from a Championship rival for his signature.

Mackay explained the lack of new arrivals currently is a common problem and added several clubs Watford are in discussions with have still not made a decision whether to let the players leave.

"There is nothing at the moment that is ready to happen," Mackay said.

"We have a lot of things going on but I suppose, like everyone, we have a lot of things where you are awaiting decisions from clubs on their players and there are certainly a list of players you would like to get but you are in competition with other clubs for these players.

"There are lots of clubs abroad at the moment that haven't decided what they are going to do with their guys and haven’t got players in.

"It is like last year, where we didn't get Tom Cleverley, Henri Lansbury and Heidar Helguson in until around September and it is a problem but it is the way it is. You have to understand their point of view as well.

"There are a lot of players in that situation."

Arsenal youngster Lansbury spent most of last season on loan at Watford and Mackay has made no secret of his desire for the England Under-21 international to return.

Lansbury scored for Arsenal on Wednesday night and Mackay stated he is another player whose immediate future is unclear.

"Henri falls into that category. He is back at his club and they haven't decided Henri's immediate future," the Hornets boss said.

"Henri was here and was a great addition to the group and I think he benefited massively from being here – he was an England Under-21 international when he left here.

"He is someone that I spoke to at the end of the season and I think he would benefit from coming back to us for another six months but, again, it is one where it is someone else's player and there are a number of factors before it is decided whether he will be going back out on loan again."

Watford have been linked with a number of strikers recently but we understand rumours of Newcastle United's Nile Ranger joining the club on loan are wide of the mark.

However, we understand the Hornets are still considering an approach for Walsall's Player of the Year Troy Deeney, who scored 14 goals last season.

French forward Mana Dembele, who plays for Ligue 2 side LB Chateauroux, has been on trial at the club this week and played in Wednesday night's 1-0 defeat to Barnet.

The 21-year-old was one of four trialists at the club this week. Mackay said the club had not made a decision on their futures following Wednesday's match but we understand none of the quartet – one of whom is 17-year-old Danish defender Niklas Vemmelund – will be offered contracts at Vicarage Road.

Manchester City defender Ryan McGiven, who was on loan at Leicester City last season, has also been linked with the club, as has Spanish midfielder Jonatan Valle. But reports of a possible move are false and the club have no interest in either player.