Watford striker Gavin Massey has joined Colchester United on a free transfer.

The 19-year-old had two loan spells at Colchester and has now joined the club on a permanent basis.

Watford have let Massey leave on a free transfer and the striker, who was once a target for Liverpool, has signed a three-year contract.

Colchester boss John Ward told their official website: "I am very happy to get him back. Things have changed a lot at Watford over the past few months and so we made an enquiry about his services and have now come up with this deal.

"Gavin is young enough to develop further and we saw a lot of promise last year in his play. He can now settle himself down and develop that promise into something more formidable.

"Gavin and Freddie are both bright young players, so hopefully they will be able to progress here, either taking us with them or moving on individually.

"We will benefit from some good things whilst they're here."

Massey made four first-team appearances as a substitute but struggled to break into the first-team in his two years as a professional.