Deulofeu joins Watford on loan from Barca

Cape Town - Watford have bolstered their attack by signing Barcelona winger Gerard Deulofeu on a loan deal until the end of the season, both clubs have confirmed.

The Hornets are eager to improve their squad as they aim to recover from a recent slump, which has seen them win only one of their last 11 Premier League games, losing eight.

Deulofeu has been on the fringes of the Blaugrana team this season, making only 10 La Liga appearances, but should boost Watford's attacking output. 

A statement on the Barcelona website read: "FC Barcelona and Watford Football Club reach an agreement on the loan of Gerard Deulofeu until 30 June 2018.

"The agreement sees the English team cover his salary and a potential add on of €1 million."

The 23-year-old Spaniard has played in the Premier League before. He spent a season on loan at Everton in 2014, before signing for the Toffees a year later. He was loaned out to AC Milan last season, but returned to Barcelona, where he started his career, at the start of the current campaign.

A Watford statement said: "Watford FC is delighted to confirm the loan signing of forward Gerard Deulofeu from FC Barcelona until the end of the season.

"Deulofeu is eligible to play a part against Stoke City on Wednesday evening having completed his move before Tuesday's midday deadline."