In a statement on their website, Watford said the players had agreed to a deal, the details of which would remain private.

"Nobody, wherever they work, is keen on the idea of a pay cut, so there's a bit of common sense and a good level of understanding has prevailed to get to a pay deferral over the short term," Watford captain Troy Deeney said.

"The details of what we've agreed are private - but they're in the best interests of helping the club right now, no one needs to be in any doubt about that," he said.

Players at Southampton and West Ham have already agreed to defer wages while Arsenal's squad is set to take a 12.5-per-cent pay cut.

Australian Associated Press