Watford boss Malky Mackay eyes budget boost

Ellington (left) and Sadler are out of contract in the summer

Watford boss Malky Mackay says he will be hoping to add the wages of forgotten men Nathan Ellington and Mat Sadler to his budget next season.

The pair, who are both out on loan, are being paid by the Hornets despite having not played for them all season.

"That's through no fault of their own as it's contracts Watford gave them," Mackay told BBC Three Counties Radio.

"But it doesn't help me in my budget and it's certainly restricted what we've been able to do here."

Ellington, with relegated Preston.

Sadler, who is for £750,000 from Birmingham City, but has not made a single Hornets appearance in the last two years.

But both players are out of contract in the summer and, if as expected, the pair are released, Mackay will hope to absorb their wages into his playing budget.

"I'll discuss that over the coming weeks with the board, in terms of what the finances and expectations are next year," he said.

"The budget for next year is something we're looking at but we have new owners in so weekly we'll have discussions right through the summer and I'm sure the picture will become clearer."