Miguel Layun has become the first player to leave Watford on transfer deadline day, joining Porto on a season-long loan deal with a view to a €6 million permanent move.

We reported yesterday the 27-year-old Mexican international would be joining the Portuguese giants on loan.

Layun told Porto's website: “I feel great, happy to be here and to be part of this great team, that is used to fighting for the biggest goals, due to their greatness. I am eager to start training, to be at the same level as my teammates and to fight for a spot in the starting team.

“The present is always the best moment, but I’ve definitely reached my full maturity. Emotionally, I’m in a great moment and all that will help me with the best performances on the pitch."

The former Club America midfielder only joined the Hornets, via Granada, in January.

Layun initially struggled to adapt to the English game and the central midfield position he was utilised in by Slavisa Jokanovic but still made 17 appearances as the Hornets finished as Championship runners-up.

After winning the Gold Cup over the summer the versatile Mexican then forced his way into head coach Quique Sanchez Flores' plans he started and scored at Everton on the opening day of the season.

He came off the bench against Manchester City in Saturday's 2-0 defeat and was also involved against West Bromwich Albion.

Layun becomes the third player to leave Watford in the past four days following the departures of Daniel Pudil and Fernando Forestieri to Sheffield Wednesday at the weekend. 

The Hornets have been attempting to trim the number of non-homegrown players at the club before they submit their 25-man Premier League squad this week. Only 17 are permitted.

Speaking the Watford Observer last month after his goal at Everton, Layun said he now felt he could show it had not been a mistake signing him.

He said: “It was the perfect moment for me. I can look at everyone and say: ‘You didn’t make a mistake bringing me here'."  

“That made me feel really good because it makes people believe in me. That moment was like: ‘Man, I am with you. Now I will show you why I was brought here.”