Watford sign Celtic prospect Vata

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.