WATFORD have signed 22-year-old Belgian midfielder Adrian Bakalli. The six-foot-two inch player from R W Moulanbeek, signed on Wednesday to complete the £100,000 deal.

Bakalli, who impressed in a trial in November, flew back to Belgium, but will report on Monday to undergo what will be an intense pre-season fitness schedule.

"Supporters might be surprised, but I'll be surprised if he plays a part this year," said Taylor.

"It is a similar situation to when we signed Johann last season -- he is one for the future. He is a very strong boy, plays in midfeld and has more than a pass in him, yet he may finish up playing at the back.

"But I don't see him playing an immediate part in our push for the Premiership. We will have to work hard with him and work hard on his fitness."

The deal could have gone through sooner, but for Taylor's illness. "I couldn't think straight at the time so the whole deal was put on hold," he said.

The player was recommended by an agent, who Taylor has been happy to work with in the past.

A Belgian national, who was born on November 22, 1976, Bakalli speaks French, Dutch and English, stands at 1.91 metres, and has played for R W Moulanbeek for three seasons.

"I have seen him play. Tom was also impressed. I just feel he might end up playing at the back for us," said Taylor.

"He has played eight times for the Belgium Under-21's and when I look at the fee, and the salary, I just feel it would be wrong not to back this hunch.

"There is no way we could afford a similar sort of player in our league with eight Under-21 caps. I'm not spending because he's cheaper, I just have the feeling there may be a player there."

Taylor knows, as with Iroha, adrenalin can take you through the first few games, but unless you have the fitness in the bank, there will be a levelling-off period..

"We have to do some physical work with him. He'll be with Tom for a bit. We may be surprised by it all and we may have someone challenging almost immediately, but there is a fitness level that has to be addressed."

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