Watford have agreed to sign Alessandro Diamanti on a season-long loan deal from Guangzhou Evergrande, the Watford Observer understands.

We reported this morning that the Golden Boys were in discussions with the Chinese club to bring the Italy international to Vicarage Road and we understand a deal has now been agreed between the two sides.

The 32-year-old will spend the season with Watford who have an option to make the move permanent if they choose to do so.

The Hornets kick off their Premier League campaign at Everton tomorrow and we understand Diamanti will not be involved at Goodison Park.

The Italian attacking midfielder started his career with A.C. Prato. He spent eight years at the club but had loan spells with Empoli, Fucecchio, Fiorentina and Albino Leffe during that time.

Diamanti joined Livorno in 2007 and played for the club for two seasons before moving to West Ham United.

He spent the 2009/2010 campaign at Upton Park before heading back to Italy, this time to join Bologna.

He stayed with the Red-Blues for three years before signing a lucrative deal with Guangzhou last summer.

However, he failed to settle in China and spent the second half of last season on loan at Fiorentina.