THE £1.75m Watford paid Crystal Palace for Jobi McAnuff this week represents "a decent price for both clubs", sources close to the Selhurst Park club believe.

The versatile 25-year-old midfielder signed a three-year deal after the Hornets agreed to pay a further £250,000 if they achieve promotion back to the Premiership - taking Aidy Boothroyd's number of summer signings to four following the acquisition of Mart Poom, Matt Jackson and the permanent capture of Douglas Rinaldi.

The fee, one of the largest paid in Hornets' history, is testament to the high regard in which he is held by Boothroyd, whose determination to get his man has finally paid off after a reported bid of £1.6m was rejected by the Eagles last summer. Ironically though, McAnuff could have moved to Vicarage Road three years ago - and for a fee of up to more than ten times less than the Hornets have paid now.

Boothroyd's predecessor Ray Lewington identified the then Wimbledon youngster as a player he wanted in the summer of 2004 and had an independent backer willing to pay the asking price, which was believed to be in the region of £150,000 to £250,000. However, it is understood the move was scuppered because of a disagreement between Watford - who were struggling financially in the wake of the Vialli/ITV Digital debacle - and the investor over who would pay McAnuff's wages.

The current Hornets boss though, is delighted to have tempted the Edmonton-born winger away from Selhurst Park at last and said: "I've been after him for a long time. He's two footed, he can shoot, he can cross, he can make goals and he can score goals.

"I think he's still got a lot more to come but he's athletic, he fits the bill and he is hungry enough to want to play in the Premiership.

"He's got a little bit more experience for us, he's a match winner but he's a different type of player for us. He knows the division and he knows what's required to win."

McAnuff, who told the Watford Observer at the end of last month that he couldn't "comment at this stage" on the Hornets' interest, was also relieved to get his future decided.

"I'm pleased to get it all sorted out," he said, "it's a good move for myself and I'm really looking forward to the new season.

"There was a bit of interest following Watford's promotion last season. Unfortunately nothing could get sorted out last year, which was a bit disappointing from my point of view because it would have been a chance to play in the Premier League.

"However, that obviously didn't happen but Watford maintained their interest and they've come in and agreed with Palace and now here I am."

The Jamaican international had a transfer request rejected last summer and Palace chairman Simon Jordan succeeded in rebuffing all approaches for one of the club's prized assets. However, the repurchase of the freehold of Selhurst Park, the ending of Premiership parcahute payments and last season's failure to get back into the top-flight by some distance look to have been behind Palace's decision to sell. Apart from striker Clinton Morrison, McAnuff was the only member of the Eagles squad likely to command a significant fee.

Furthermore, it is understood that Eagles manager Peter Taylor was told he must raise funds before he can buy and Jordan admitted as much this week. "It's more a question of who goes rather than who comes in," the chairman said, "although I know Peter thinks he needs a quick one up front."

Although McAnuff could offer competition and cover for Tommy Smith on the right, most of his appearances for Palace were down the opposite flank where, as a naturally right-footed player, he was able to cut in. The former West Ham and Cardiff midfielder has also played off the front man on occasions, but his career strike rate of 33 goals in 207 starts, plus 42 substitute appearances, should be better, sources believe.

l Another part of Watford's pre-season jigsaw has been put into place with the announcement that Boothroyd's men will face Willem II on Saturday, August 4 at Vicarage Road.

The Dutch side finished 14th in last season's Eredivisie and have strong ties with the Hornets Academy set-up.