Watford are set to back head coach Claudio Ranieri with three defensive additions, as they look to conduct their January transfer business as soon as possible.

Left back Hassane Kamara from Nice, defensive midfielder Edo Kayembe from KAS Eupen and Besiktas' veteran centre back Domagoj Vida are all expected to be announced in the coming days, after the transfer window opened on Saturday.

The arrivals come amid reports that Ranieri was under pressure from the board due to a run of results that now stands at nine defeats from 11 matches after the 1-0 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur.

However, prior to that match, the Watford Observer was told that the club were still happy with the progress they had seen under the head coach and that he would be given more time, with the owners sympathetic to the difficult circumstances in which he has had to work since his arrival.

After replacing Xisco Munoz, the Italian has had a number of problems to deal with, including injuries and a Covid-19 outbreak that has stretched the squad to its limits.

With defensive options already at a premium before those issues arose, additions were plotted and conversations were started regarding a number of targets, but with William Troost-Ekong, Adam Masina and Imran Louza all heading for the African Cup of Nations, urgency was required.

In the wake of the loss to Spurs, the Athletic reported that moves had been made for the three incoming players. That has since been confirmed by club sources.

Deals for Kamara and Kayembe have all-but been completed, while Vida's signing still requires some work before it can be finalised, but was described as being "at an advanced stage" as of last night.

The new arrivals will provide extra options for Ranieri at the back as he continues to search for a first clean sheet in the league this season.

Kamara is a left back, who is capable of playing further up the pitch too. The 27-year old has made one appearance for the Ivorian national team but is not included in their AFCON squad.

Kayembe meanwhile will add extra competition in midfield and is expected to cover for Louza in his absence.

However, the 23-year old can also pitch in at full-back, something he may well need to do given Watford's current situation.

Finally, Vida is a centre back of considerable experience, with 95 caps for Croatia under his belt. His contract with Turkish side Besiktas is due to expire in the summer.