WATFORD completed the club record acquisition of Nathan Ellington this week but will not be signing Czech Republic international Daniel Pudil.

The 21-year-old defender/midfielder with FC Slovan Liberec, has been on trial at Vicarage Road this week and Aidy Boothroyd had contemplated signing the player in a deal worth £1m.

But the manager has decided against signing the Czech star, although admitted he "will continue to monitor the situation".

However, Boothroyd does expect Darius Henderson to pledge his future to the club by signing a significantly-improved new contract.

Heading in the other direction though, could be Will Hoskins who may leave on loan.

It is the arrival of Ellington - nicknamed the Duke - for a fee that could rise to £4.25m that has captured the imagination of the fans and ended Boothroyd's protracted search for a striker with a pedigree.

The 26-year-old has been on the manager's shortlist for more than a year and he first enquired about the Bradford-born hit man before the start of the Premiership season.

West Bromwich Albion refused to let Ellington talk to the Hornets or Wigan as they sought to keep their squad intact for a promotion bid, but they have now decided to sell and Boothroyd's persistence and patience has paid off.

The prospect of the Hornets boss being able to pair Ellington and Marlon King - two players who have both topped the goalscoring charts in recent seasons - will have fans licking their lips and could strike fear into the hearts of Championship defenders.

Ellington feels the partnership with King has all the makings of the almost telepathic understanding he enjoyed with Jason Roberts during a hugely productive spell at Wigan.

"The signs are there that it could happen," said Ellington, who has signed a four-year deal. "I am expecting good things so hopefully we can hit it off. But whatever combination the gaffer decides to pick I'm sure it will work well."

Ellington had no hesitation in signing for the Hornets after talks with the persuasive Boothroyd, but revealed one of his former team-mates at West Brom also recommended the move to Vicarage Road.

"Robbo loved his time at Watford and has only got good things to say about the club," he said. "He loved it and gave me his blessing and said it was a good place to be."

It was the ambition of Boothroyd, though, that really clinched the deal for Ellington.

"It's time for a fresh start and where better to go than to play under a manager who is talked about so highly. He is very enthusiastic and everything he says just agrees with you. I had no hesitation in signing after talking to him."