Watford sign Abdoulaye Doucoure from Rennes

Watford have completed the signing Abdoulaye Doucoure from Ligue 1 Rennes and the Premier League club have confirmed the midfielder will spend the rest of the season on loan with La Liga side Granada.

France Under-21 international, Doucoure has signed a four-and-a-half-year contract at Vicarage Road after Watford and Rennes agreed an undisclosed fee – reported to be worth in the region of £8million, which would be a club record.

Watford chief executive Scott Duxbury believes time in Spain's top flight will act as a vital part of the 23-year-old's footballing development.

"The opportunity to sign Abdoulaye Doucoure now was one we wanted to act upon, given our long-standing interest in the player," Duxbury told his club's official website.

"He is very much part of Watford's future plans, and in the time between now and pre-season he'll be experiencing high-level competitive football in Spain."

Doucoure is Watford's fourth mid-season arrival following deals to bring in Nordin Amrabat, Mario Suarez and Costel Pantilimon.