Hornets bring in 27-year-old forward from Anderlecht on a five-year deal

Watford have made Italy striker Stefano Okaka their ninth signing of the summer transfer window.

The 27-year-old joins the Hornets from Anderlecht, signing a five-year deal at Vicarage Road.

Okaka scored 17 goals as Anderlecht finished third in the Belgian Pro League and reached the last 16 of the UEFA Europa League last season.

Okaka scored 17 goals for Anderlecht last season

That followed a successful 2014/15 campaign at Sampdoria, which earned him a call-up for Italy, then coached by Chelsea manager Antonio Conte.

Okaka started his career at Roma, going out on loan to various clubs, including at Fulham in the 2010/11 Premier League.

He follows Jerome Sinclair, Christian Kabasele, Isaac Success, Juan Camilo Zuniga, Brice Dja Djedje, Younes Kaboul, Roberto Pereyra and Daryl Janmaat to Vicarage Road.

Okaka could make his debut for Walter Mazzarri's Watford when they visit West Ham United on Saturday 10 September.

See: Okaka signs