Derby County have signed Watford’s Matej Vydra, reports claim.
Matej Vydra shoots against Leeds United
As confirmed by the club’s official website, Derby County have signed Matej Vydra from Watford.
According to the Daily Mail, Vydra has agreed to join Derby County in a £10 million deal which would be a club record for the Rams – surpassing the amount they paid Norwich City for Bradley Johnson 12 months ago.
The report claims that Vydra was keen to settle down at a club having spent last season on loan at Reading and has been convinced to join the Rams by boss Nigel Pearson.
Derby have made a slow start to their new Championship campaign, picking up just five points from their opening five matches and alarmingly finding the net on just one occasion.
Matej Vydra celebrates scoring the first goal for Watford
The team are evidently still trying to get to grips with Pearson’s way of playing, and for some it is proving a bridge too far which has prompted the club to enter the transfer market days before the deadline.
Pearson, a traditional 4-4-2 manager, likes to work with quick forwards and in Darren Bent and Chris Martin he currently has a front duo who seemingly aren’t suited to play the way he wants.
Vydra, 24, is a natural goal scorer who offers plenty of pace and endeavour as he likes to run into spaces.
Watford’s Matej Vydra in action with Gillingham’s Josh Wright
Many may feel the fee represents somewhat of a gamble for the Rams, yet in Mel Morris the East Midlands club have a dedicated owner who is willing to heavily back the club in its quest for top-flight football.
Vydra was left out of Watford’s squad to face Arsenal on Saturday afternooon and via social media site Twitter said his goodbyes to the Hornets supporters.
Derby may be looking to bring in one or two more before the deadline, while questions will now be raised over the futures of players such as Martin, Jeff Hendrick and Bradley Johnson.
Derby’s Chris Martin and Johnny Russell look dejected
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
