Watford have announced that they have exercised their option to sign Tom Cleverley from Everton on a permanent basis for an undisclosed fee.
Cleverley, 27, joined Watford on loan in January and will extend his stay at Vicarage Road after agreeing a five-year contract.
Sources had told ESPN FC this week that Watford would be obliged to make the deal permanent under the terms of the loan agreement if he played on Saturday due to an appearance clause.
✍️#watfordfc delighted to confirm it has concluded a permanent five-year deal with Tom Cleverley.
More info ⬇️https://t.co/tlPMBqG18v pic.twitter.com/nP9Dmc51CU
- Watford FC (@WatfordFC) March 31, 2017
Watford CEO Scott Duxbury told his club's official website: "We're very pleased to secure Tom's signature. I believe it's a sign of our ambition to recruit the highest calibre of player for Watford.
"Tom's affinity with the club and supporters has been very clear from the moment he returned, and we now look forward to seeing him in a Watford shirt for many years to come."
Cleverley, who has made 13 appearances for England, joined Everton from Manchester United in 2015.
