Watford secure services of Sunderland's record signing

Watford have announced the arrival of Sunderland midfielder Didier Ndong on loan for the remainder of the season.

New Hornets manager Javi Gracia has already signed Gerard Deulofeu on loan from Barcelona and has acted quickly to get another new face through the door before the 11pm deadline.

Sunderland splashed out a club-record £13.6m to sign Ndong from French side Lorient 18 months ago but the central midfielder has failed to live up to the price tag for the Black Cats.

Despite featuring in 18 Championship matches this season, Chris Coleman’s side are desperate to shift Ndong’s wages and have successfully loaned him out to Watford.

Gracia’s side will also have to make the switch permanent in a deal worth a reported £7m if certain factors are met during his stint at Vicarage Road.

No Sunderland player averages more tackles and interceptions per Championship game than Ndong this season (4.9) and his departure will come as a blow in their bid to stave off relegation.