Watford's promotion hopes have been boosted by the re-signing of Matej Vydra on an initial season-long loan.

Vydra was a crucial part of the Hornets side which just missed out on automatic promotion during the 2012/13 campaign and then lost the play-off final in extra-time.

The Czech Republic international scored 22 goals that season and also won the Championship Player of the Season award.

His performances attracted the attention of several Premier League clubs during the first half of the campaign and despite a dip in form, West Bromwich Albion still decided to sign the Udinese striker on loan last summer.

The 22-year-old struggled to recapture his form in the Premier League though as he scored three times in 25 appearances for the Baggies.

We reported at the beginning of May that Watford were keen to re-sign Vydra and whilst his agent had initially suggested he wanted a move to a club in a top division in Europe, the Golden Boys remained confident of landing their number one transfer target.

At the end of May, Vydra spoke of not wanting to spend another season out on loan, having to meet new team-mates, and was keen to find a club where he could settle.

Watford have stated the current deal is "an initial" season-long loan which suggests a permanent deal could happen in the future - something which is likely to be determined by how the Hornets' promotion campaign pans out.

The Hornets' hierarchy want to mount a challenge for automatic promotion this season, after a disappointing campaign last time out, and have already strengthened the squad significantly.

Ex-Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes, former Premier League defenders Gabriel Tamas and Craig Cathcart and Leicester City's promotion-winning wide man Lloyd Dyer have already signed permanent contracts with the club.