Premier League new-boys Watford have completed the signing of Alessandro Diamanti on a season-long loan deal, subject to international clearance.
Italian international Diamanti, an attacking midfielder, arrives from Chinese side Guangzhou Evergrande for this season.
He has Premier League experience, appearing for West Ham United, and was named runner-up in the Hammers’ Player of the Year Award for the 2009/10 season, behind Scott Parker.
The Italian has spent most of his playing career in Serie A, with appearances for Livorno, Brescia and Bologna. He also spent half of last season at Fiorentina.
A set-piece master, Diamanti has 17 caps for Italy, including appearing at Euro 2012 and the 2013 Confederations Cup.
The 32-year-old is set to bring some valuable experience to Quique Sanchez Flores’ side, with the Hornets starting the season with two draws from two games.
by Steve Osborne