Watford defender Ben Wilmot has completed his move to Stoke City.

The centre-half has signed a four-year deal with the Championship club after making the permanent switch for an undisclosed fee, reported to be in the region of £1.5 million to £2 million.

Stoke boss Michael Neill told the club website: “Ben is a young player of enormous potential who already has great experience of Championship football.

“I know he was attracting interest from a number of other clubs and we are really pleased to have made him our first signing of the summer. I’ve no doubts he will be an excellent addition to our squad.”

Wilmot tweeted: "Absolutely buzzing to sign for @stokecity. Really excited for the big season ahead! Special thank you to everyone that has made this happen. Can’t wait to meet you Potters at the bet365 next season!"

 

Although he was named in England Under-21's Euros squad earlier this year, Stevenage-born Wilmot struggled for game time with the Hornets, particularly under Xisco Munoz.

He made late substitute appearances in the final two games of Watford's promotion-winning season, but his last start came back on January 2 in a 2-1 defeat at Swansea.

Wilmot signed for Watford in 2018 from Stevenage for an undisclosed fee, signing a five-year deal.

He spent time on loan at Udinese and Swansea before returning to Vicarage Road for his first full season with the club.

The defender scored his first goal for Watford in a 1-1 draw against Queens Park Rangers on November 21 last year.

Announcing the player's departure, Watford said: "The club thanks Ben for his contributions and wishes him all the best for his future career."