Uche Ikpeazu: Watford sign prolific teenager on pro contract

Watford have signed teenage striker Uche Ikpeazu on a three-year contract.

Ikpeazu played for Reading's Under-18 side last season and scored 28 goals in 28 games, making him England's top scorer at academy level.

"We are very pleased Uche is joining us at Watford," technical director Gianluca Nani told the club website.

"At 18 he is still young, but he's a very bright prospect and we're looking forward to seeing him progress under Gianfranco Zola."

London-born Ikpeazu joined Reading's youth set-up in 2010 and had a loan spell with Didcot Town last year, but his deal with Watford is his first professional contract.

"I just want to use this moment to thank all the Reading people right down to the fans.

"I am now looking forward to a new challenge," he posted on Twitter.