Watford say they reluctantly allowed talented youngster Tom Rosenthal to join SV Zulte Waregem in a permanent deal so he could be near a close family member who is ill in Belgium.

Rosenthal, who is the son of ex-Hornets striker Ronny, was a second-year scholar with the Golden Boys but has joined the Jupiler Pro League club on a two-year contract.

Watford have tonight confirmed they did want to keep the talented attack-minded player, who can play in several positions.

Tom’s father Ronny enjoyed a successful career, which included spells at Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur and Watford, where he scored 11 goals in 38 outings in all competitions at the end of his career.