Talented youngster Panos Armenakas has signed a professional contract with fellow Pozzo-owned club Udinese - despite Watford announcing he had joined the Hornets on a scholarship in April.

Armenakas was named by the Golden Boys in the Ipswich Town programme on April 19 as joining the scholarship programme next season.

However, Watford refused to comment last month when questioned whether the Australian youngster would stay at the club and he announced on social networking website Twitter this morning that he has signed a three-year deal with Udinese.

The Hornets confirmed this afternoon that Armenakas has joined the Italian club and the Watford Observer understands he has moved for personal reasons. 

Armenakas posted on Twitter: “Happy to sign my professional contract at such a young age with a great club like @Udinese_1896. The dream begins!”

Armenakas added: “I'd like to thank @watfordfcsays and I wish them the best for the future! Now a professional @Udinese_1896”

Armenakas, who has Greek and American heritage, was tipped as a huge prospect growing up in his native Australia and was said to have been offered trials at several teams, including Barcelona, AC Milan and Manchester United.

He joined Watford’s academy in late 2012, with technical director Gian Luca Nani claiming he had signed with the Golden Boys despite interest from some of Europe’s biggest clubs.