Walter Mazzarri is interested in securing fresh competition for Heurelho Gomes in the January transfer window, the Watford Observer understands.

The Hornets have four senior goalkeepers on the club's books already - including Giedrius Arlauskis, who is not even in their 25-man Premier League squad.

But sources close to the club have revealed Mazzarri is concerned with the quality of keeper at his disposal, and is looking to recruit a fresh face to improve the club's options between the sticks.

The Observer understands the position of Gomes, 35, is not directly under threat; but due to his age, he is not seen as a long-term solution.

A more pressing issue is Mazzarri's lack of faith in second choice Costel Pantilimon, who shipped four goals in his only league appearance of the season to date - the Hornets' 6-1 defeat at Liverpool on November 6 - despite making a handful of saves at Anfield.

The Romanian, 29, may depart Vicarage Road in January, if Mazzarri and his staff can find a suitor for a player who has fallen from being first choice at Sunderland to a bench warmer in Hertfordshire in the space of a year.

No names have entered the frame to add to Mazzarri's goalkeeping options as yet, but the Hornets are actively on the lookout to strengthen the position.