Watford sign Croatian defender Mlacic on loan

Watford have signed Croatian defender Branimir Mlacic on loan for the rest of the season.

He is the latest player to join the Hornets from Italian club Udinese, who he signed for in February after starting his career with Hajduk Split.

Although only 19, he made seven appearances in Series A at the end of last season, two of them starts.

"I know it's a young team with big potential, and I've heard positive things about the manager," he told the Watford website., external

The deal was completed in time for Mlacic to be named in boss Alessio Dionisi's squad for Tuesday evening's game away to Swansea City.