Watford sign ex-Hammer

London - Watford have signed former West Ham striker Alessandro Diamanti on a season-long loan from Chinese side Guangzhou Evergrande, the Premier League club announced on Monday.

Diamanti, 32, returns to the English top tier five years on from his single season with the Hammers.

"Watford have completed the signing of Italian international Alessandro Diamanti on a season-long loan, subject to receiving international clearance," a statement on the club's website read.

Diamanti, who has won 17 caps for Italy, spent time on loan at Fiorentina earlier this year, but now returns to English football after spells with Brescia and Bologna.

Watford have opened their Premier League campaign with two straight draws and were unable to break the deadlock despite dominating their goalless encounter with West Bromwich Albion on Saturday.

Hornets manager Quique Sanchez Flores admitted after the Albion match that securing new striking options was his top transfer window priority and Diamanti should be in contention to feature against Southampton on Sunday.