Achraf Lazaar has landed himself a move to Sky Bet Championship promotion hopefuls Watford - just days after leaving Newcastle United on a free transfer.
The Magpie s agreed to a cash settlement to clear Lazaar off the wage bill and the Hornets quickly moved to set up a deal until the end of the season.
Lazaar had not played in a competitive first-team fixture since 2017 for Newcastle although he did play on the club's tour of China in pre-season 2019 under Steve Bruce.
Bruce, though, did not add Lazaar to his squad despite signing the left-sided player at Sheff Wed during his short stint with the Owls.
Lazaar has since been restricted to playing for the Under-23s and featured in the Papa John's Trophy defeat against Bolton Wanderers.
But Newcastle then decided to end his tenure on Tyneside by paying him off.
A short Watford statement read: "Watford FC is pleased to confirm the signing of left-back Achraf Lazaar on a contract until the end of the season, with the club holding an option of a further year.
"The 29-year-old Morocco international, who is also capable playing in a more advanced position, joins the Hornets as a free agent having left Newcastle United last week.
"Lazaar began his career at Varese in Italy and went on to spend two-and-a-half years at Palermo, which included a Serie B title win and two top-flight seasons.
"He joined the Magpies in 2016 and made nine first-team appearances during his spell on Tyneside, also spending time on loan at Benevento, Sheffield Wednesday and Cosenza.
"Lazaar will wear the number 17 shirt for the Hornets."
Lazaar joins former Magpies Dan Gosling and Rob Elliot at Vicarage Road.
