Watford sign Celtic prospect Vata

Image source, Rex Features

Image caption, Rocco Vata made his Scottish Premier debut against Hibernian in December 2022

Watford have signed Celtic forward Rocco Vata on a four-year contract.

The Hornets will have to pay compensation for the 19-year-old, who made six substitute appearances for Celtic's first team and scored in a 5-0 Scottish Cup win over Buckie Thistle in January.

The son of former defender Rudi Vata, he joined the Scottish champions aged seven and is a Republic of Ireland youth international.

Vata's deal at Vicarage Road includes an option for a further 12 months and he is Watford's second summer signing following goalkeeper Jonathan Bond.

They will start the new Championship season with a lunchtime kick-off away to Millwall on 10 August.