13.08.2013 16:09 h

Football: Ex-Watford loanee Vydra joins West Brom

Reklamieren ist zwecklos
Reklamieren ist zwecklos

Czech striker Matej Vydra has joined West Bromwich Albion on a season-long loan from Italian side Udinese, the Premier League club announced on Tuesday.

The 21-year-old spent last season on loan at second-tier Watford, scoring 22 goals as Gianfranco Zola's side reached the Championship play-off final.

Vydra said he was encouraged to choose The Hawthorns by the prospect of working with West Brom manager Steve Clarke.

"I didn't know a month ago if I was coming back to England, but I am very pleased to become a West Bromwich Albion player and I will do my best for the team," he said.

"There was a lot of club interest from around Europe and England, but I choose West Bromwich Albion because of the manager. He is one of the best managers in England and plays a European style.

"I spoke briefly to my former coach Zola on the telephone and he advised me to go to West Bromwich Albion because the style of play will suit me."

Clarke said he was "delighted" to secure Vydra's signature.

"He had a really good year with Watford and we believe he's got the qualities to score goals at a higher level. Hopefully, he'll show that this year with us," Clarke added.

Vydra is West Brom's third close-season signing, following French striker Nicolas Anelka and Uruguayan centre-back Diego Lugano, while Macedonian defender Goran Popov has also returned to the club on loan from Dynamo Kiev.

West Brom open their Premier League campaign at home to Southampton on Saturday.