Jack Grieves and Michael Adu-Poku have both signed their first professional deals with Watford.

There had been reports that Grieves might go to Celtic or Brentford but he has committed his future to the Hornets by putting pen to paper on a three-year contract with the option of another year.

Meanwhile Adu-Poku has signed a two-year contract that also has the option of an additional year.

A true local lad – as he told the Watford Observer last season - Grieves was born in the town and has a deep-rooted connection to the club as the great-great-grandson of former Hornets goalkeeper Reginald ‘Skilly’ Williams, while his great-grandfather Reg Williams Junior, father Darren Grieves and uncle Daniel Grieves also spent time at the club.

The 18-year-old was an unused substitute for the 0-0 home draw with Everton at the end of the 2021/22 Premier League campaign, and then did make his senior debut in the FA Cup Third Round away at Reading in January.

He made his Championship debut against Blackpool later that month, before adding another appearance against Stoke on the last day of the season.

“I’m buzzing to sign my first professional deal,” said Grieves.

“I’ve been here for a while and had some ups and downs throughout my career so far, but getting this professional deal signed, for me, is the biggest moment in my career so far.

“I’m just grateful for Watford giving me this opportunity to spend the next three years here. I’m just buzzing to get going.

“I’m just proud, that’s how I can describe it. Coming from the area, being a Watford supporter myself and signing a deal here is just the best thing for me.

“I’m looking forward to getting involved and progressing into the first-team over the foreseeable future, that’s what I’m planning on.”

Earlier in the summer Adu-Poku spoke to the Watford Observer about his season, which saw him start and lead the line in the FA Cup tie at Reading.

Watford Observer: Michael Adu-Poku scores against Arsenal.Michael Adu-Poku scores against Arsenal. (Image: Alan Cozzi/Watford FC)

His Championship bow came as a second-half substitute against Rotherham later the same month.

Like Grieves, he was part of the Under-18 team that did so well in the FA Youth Cup, and he scored against Arsenal in the Fifth Round tie at Vicarage Road.

“I’m very excited to sign, it’s been hard work and it’s all been worth it,” he said.

“I’m very happy and relieved in a way. There’s still a lot of hard work to be done which I’m excited for.

“Getting back underway this pre-season has been very good, but tough. It’s a good experience and good to learn, which I’m excited to do throughout the season.

“I have a lot of goals: to enjoy my football, work hard for the team and play well. I want to do my best for the team, get results for the team and just play my game.”