Hornets attacker Diego Fabbrini has, as expected, joined Championship side Middlesbrough on a season-long loan deal.

Fabbrini, 24, had been expected to join the Teessiders after travelling to Doncaster Rovers for Saturday's friendly prior to completing the paperwork on his deal.

The former Udinese forward made just two Championship appearances for the Golden Boys last term and spent part of the season on loan at Millwall and Birmingham City.

Blues boss Gary Rowett had stated his intention to sign the one-cap Italian international on loan last week but Boro have beaten the St Andrew's side to his capture.

He told the Birmingham Mail: “Diego is a player we would love to bring to the club.

“The talks are still ongoing but again that's out of our hands - all we can do is try to put something together that is attractive to Watford.”

Fabbrini moved to Vicarage Road from Udine in the summer of 2013 and after making 21 league appearances during the first half of the 2012/13 campaign, was farmed out on loan to Siena during the January transfer window.

He returned to WD18 last season but featured just twice, with his last outing coming against Brentford in September, before moving to Millwall on loan.

After impressing during 11 starts for the Lions, the former Empoli forward's loan deal was cut short to enable him to join Birmingham.

A favourite during his time in the Midlands, Fabbrini made five starts for the Blues.