It appears there may soon be clarity over the future of one of Ireland's brightest young prospects, Rocco Vata.
The Irish star has impressed throughout his underage career at international level but has struggled to make any meaningful breakthrough with the Celtic senior team.
Vata has been linked with a move to the continent in recent months, with both Bologna and Como touted as potential destinations for the youngster in Italy.
Reports on Wednesday, however, suggest that Vata is on the verge of securing a move closer to home with Championship club Watford.
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Ireland's Rocco Vata agrees move to Watford
22 March 2024; Rocco Vata of Republic of Ireland, left, celebrates with team-mates Anselmo García MacNulty, 5, and Sean Grehan during the UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualifier match between San Marino and Republic of Ireland at San Marino Stadium in Serravalle, San Marino. Photo by Roberto Bregani/Sportsfile
The first reports of Watford interest in Rocco Vata surfaced earlier this year, with the Athletic reporting that the club had put an offer on the table to Celtic to sign the 19-year-old on a deal until 2027.
On Wednesday, transfer guru Fabrizio Romano reported that the Hornets have now agreed a deal with Vata to sign for an additional year, with the Ireland underage international set to commit his future with the club until 2028.
Though Vata's contract with Celtic expires this summer, the club are still entitled to compensation from his next team, with Vata having played with the Hoops since the age of seven.
🟡⚫️ Watford have agreed deal to sign 2005 born talent Rocco Vata, medical to follow on Thursday.
Celtic will receive compensation in excess of £200k, contract until June 2028.
Exclusive story, confirmed. pic.twitter.com/oH5RIKypqX— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 3, 2024
Watford finished 15th in the Championship last season, after a mid-season manager change saw Tom Cleverley take over in charge.
Senior game time has been hard to come by for Vata at Celtic, who made just one appearance in the Scottish Premiership last season - though he did score his first goal for the club in the FA Cup against Buckie Thistle in January.
Vata has made just two competitive appearances for the Ireland U21s - but has five goals across those two games, including a hat-trick in March's EURO qualifier against San Marino. Both of those goal-laden performances have earmarked him as a serious talent for the future.
Born in Glasgow to an Albanian father, Vata was eligible for three countries when choosing who to line out for at international level but has stuck with Ireland throughout his underage career.
We await official confirmation, but the prospect of more regular game time for Rocco Vata can only be an exciting prospect for Irish football fans.
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