Watford have agreed to sign former Middlesbrough striker Ashley Fletcher, the Watford Observer understands.

The striker scored three times in 13 appearances for Boro last season before rejecting a new contract in April and being released from the club.

He joins the Hornets on a free transfer.

Fletcher started his career in Manchester United's academy before joining West Ham United in 2016.

He has had loan spells at both Barnsley and Sunderland and also scored twice in three games for England Under 20s.

The move is further evidence of Watford trying to conduct their business early in the transfer window, with two bids rejected for Aberdeen midfielder Lewis Ferguson and talks opened with Hibernian for Josh Doig.

Kwadwo Baah is also set to join in July.