Watford’s 19-year-old Colombian striker Jorge Cabezas Hurtado is set to join MLS side New York Red Bulls on loan.

The Hornets signed the youngster in January on a six-year contract from Real Cartegena, who play in the Primera B - the second division of the Colombian National League - and then loaned him straight out to Independiente Medellin, who play in the Colombian First Division.

He made 10 league and cup appearances for Medellin without finding the net, although half of those were from the subs’ bench.

Hurtado added to his Under-20 international caps in the first half of the year, playing seven times in the Under-20 South American Championships, and then all five of Colombia’s matches at the Under-20 World Cup in Argentina in May and June as they reached the last 16.

There was some conjecture that Hurtado may come straight into the Watford squad for the start of the Championship season, but this loan instead means he will be thrust into the MLS with just about a third of the season to go.

The Red Bulls currently sit 11th in the MLS Eastern Conference table, but are only four points off ninth place which would see them progress into the end-of-season play-offs.

Hurtado could find himself lining up alongside the likes of Scottish international and former Celtic striker Lewis Morgan, American international full-back John Tolkin and Venezualan international midfielder Cristian Casseres Jr.

The Red Bulls are managed by former Wolfsberg and Barnsley boss Gerhard Struber.

Hurtado is the second Watford player to spend a loan period at the Red Bulls recently with striker Ashley Fletcher making seven appearances in 2022.

The young striker prefers to use his mother’s surname, Hurtado, and is nicknamed ‘Paquito’ in Colombia – a name given to him by the owner of his first club, Indubolsas, because of his likeness to one of their players from the past.

Watford have shown a real knack for unearthing outstanding young players from South America, such as the likes of Joao Pedro, Yaser Asprilla and Richarlison.