Watford will not be “forced" to sell any players this month after the transfer window opened today and are looking to strengthen their squad for the second half of the season.

While Watford have successfully extended Henri Lansbury's loan for the rest of the campaign from Arsenal and discussions are ongoing with Queens Park Rangers with a view to doing the same with Heidar Helguson, there are not expected to be any new arrivals before Sunday's FA Cup third round clash with Chelsea.

However, John-Joe O'Toole is understood to be close to finalising a permanent move to Colchester United, although there was no official confirmation of this from the Hornets before the printed edition of the Watford Observer went to press.

The 21-year-old, who scored 12 goals in 66 appearances for Watford, has made 19 starts for the League One club since he was signed on loan by Aidy Boothroyd and has picked up ten yellow cards.

O'Toole's expected departure follows that of young keeper Bo Antal, who left Vicarage Road by mutual consent on Wednesday.

But it is the news that there is unlikely to be a repeat of August's events, when Tommy Smith, Tamas Priskin, Jobi McAnuff and Mike Williamson were all sold as the Hornets sought to cut costs, that may particularly hearten fans in the wake of the recent off-the-pitch turmoil at Vicarage Road.

It had been thought more players might have to be sold, even after last week's confirmation that Lord Michael Ashcroft's firm Fordwat would underwrite a forthcoming £7.5m rights issue after stopping the Hornets from going into administration by loaning the club the £4.93m it owed to former chairman Jimmy Russo’s company Valley Grown Salads.

But Malky Mackay said: "I'm looking for players all over the pitch to be honest with you and if we can get players to add to the squad.

"I don't want to lose anybody, I don't need to lose anyone unless something ridiculous comes in in January and I want to add to the group to kick on for the second half of the season.

"It is one where every player that we look at, there comes a point when the finances come into the equation, you look at how long he is going to be with us and the type of impact they can have for us," the Hornets boss continued. "So each player is taken on individual merits. Julian [Winter] and Graham [Taylor] are very supportive of what I want in January.

"I can confirm that we don't have to sell. It is in our hands. We don't have to sell. Unless something ridiculous comes in, I don't need to sell anybody in January.

"I have a group of players here that I want to see us through to the summer and I want to add to that group in January."

While Mackay has been successful in keeping Lansbury, he is also hoping to tie up a deal for Helguson.

A deal to extend the stay of the on-loan Arsenal midfielder, who is a concern for Sunday's game after sustaining a heavy knock to his ankle in Monday’s 2-2 draw at Bristol City, was concluded yesterday following an administrative delay. But talks with Rangers over keeping Helguson at Vicarage Road are thought to be at a less advanced stage, meaning he will not be eligible to face Chelsea.

Lansbury had been in contract negotiations with Arsenal as his current deal expires at the end of the season and the Watford boss said earlier this week: "We have a good relationship with Arsenal and we are discussing it with them.

"We are hoping that once Arsenal and Henri's situation finishes then he comes back for the second half of the season.

"I think he enjoys being here and his game has improved since he has been here. He has had a taste of Championship football and is enjoying it so it is an environment where he wants to be in and we want him here as well."

QPR have appointed a new manager in Paul Hart and Mackay admitted that will come into the "equation" when it comes to the Hornets' chances of Helguson remaining with his first English club.

The Hornets manager said: "Heidar is a player who has had a great impact for us and I think he enjoys being at the club and the people enjoy him being here.

"We have had constant discussions with QPR and they have had a change of manager there so that will come into the equation as well, but we are talking to them about extending Heidar’s loan."

The future of Scott Loach continues to be discussed in the national media, with Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur, Aston Villa and Everton all linked with the England Under-21 keeper.

But when asked if there has been any contact from clubs regarding Loach, Mackay responded: "Absolutely none. No bids, no contact at all. He is my goalkeeper and I have said on record that I want him to be here."