Watford have confirmed the permanent signing of Matej Vydra with the striker agreeing a five-year deal with the Hornets.

The Watford Observer first reported the Czech Republic international would return to Vicarage Road for a third spell from Udinese at the start of last month.

The Hornets originally planned to sign Vydra on a two-year loan deal but the Italian club subsequently expressed a desire to sell the 23-year-old.

That forced Watford’s hand, although the Hornets had little hesitation in making Vydra’s move permanent.

He becomes the Golden Boys’ third signing of the summer following the arrivals of Sebastian Prodl from Werder Bremen and goalkeeper Giedrius Arlauskis from Steaua Bucuresti.

Vydra joined up with the Golden Boys squad for pre-season training on Monday prior to his switch being confirmed.

There were no need for introductions, the Watford players are fully aware of Vydra’s capabilities following two productive loan spells at Vicarage Road. The first came during the 2012/2013 campaign. Vydra arrived in Hertfordshire on loan from Udinese as a relative unknown but struck 22 goals and was named the Championship player of the season.

His form was noticed. He spent the following season on loan in the Premier League with West Bromwich Albion.

However, injuries, a lack of regular starts and being played out of position meant Vydra’s campaign at the Hawthorns wasn’t a happy one. He ended up scoring just three times.

It came as little surprise to see the 15-cap Czech striker return to Vicarage Road last summer, again on a season-long loan.

He started the campaign with an opening day goal and was the regular partner for Troy Deeney during the first half of the season.

Vydra’s form during the opening months of last season were solid if not spectacular. However, 11 games without a goal coupled with the form of Odion Ighalo meant he lost his place in the side after Christmas.

The former Baník Ostrava youngster was then told by then Watford boss Slavisa Jokanovic that he needed to work harder for the team.

He took that advice on board and ended the season strongly, scoring eight goals in the Hornets’ last 12 matches as Watford clinched promotion to the top flight.