Watford boss Marco Silva insists prized assets Richarlison and Abdoulaye Doucoure will not be sold this month.

Brazilian forward Richarlison has been linked with both Arsenal and Chelsea, while French midfielder Doucoure has impressed too.

Watford midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure in action
Abdoulaye Doucoure has performed well since moving to Watford (Scott Heavey/PA Wire)

Silva told a press conference on Thursday: “What I can tell you is feedback I have from our board that of the most important players nobody will be leaving this month.

“This is the feedback I have the last two months. With all the injuries it doesn’t make sense if you sell some players. I hope to improve our roster – not sell our most important players.”

Watford boss Marco Silva watches his team in action
Watford boss Marco Silva is uncertain if the Hornets will recruit this month, but says they are trying (Richard Sellers/EMPICS)

On the prospect of reinforcements this month, Silva was coy.

He added: “We are doing what we can do. It’s not an easy market but as a club we are working to do what we can.

“It’s not an easy market as some (teams) have big power – others not so much.

“It’s important to understand the market and do the best we can. The market is still open, open until January 31.”

The Hornets, 10th in the Premier League, go to Leicester on Saturday.

Midfielder Tom Cleverley (hamstring) is a doubt.

Isaac Success and Craig Cathcart (both knee) are nearer to returns than longer-term injured Nathaniel Chalobah (knee), Will Hughes, Kiko Femenia (both hamstring), Younes Kaboul (foot) and Miguel Britos (ankle).