Rocco Vata Celtic contract saga ends as starlet completes Watford transfer

Celtic kid Rocco Vata has ended his long-running contract saga by committing his future to Watford.

The 19-year-old's future has been up in the air over the last six months as Hoops chiefs attempted to extend his deal beyond the summer. Vata was promoted to the senior squad last season and Brendan Rodgers was keen to tie the academy graduate down for the long-term.

Handed his debut by Ange Postecoglou away to Hibs in 2023, Vata was widely regarded as one of the top young talents at Lennoxtown. But after making just six appearances, the Republic of Ireland Under-19 international has decided to pursue his career down south.

Vata was given a VIP tour of the Hornets' facilities last week and underwent a medical at Vicarage Road on Wednesday. Now, the Championship club have confirmed the out-of-contract youngster's move has been officially rubber-stamped. Celtic will be due a training compensation fee of around £225,000 for their homegrown starlet.

More to follow.