Watford have announced the signing of goalkeeper Orestis Karnezis on a season-long loan from Udinese after seeing off competition from their Premier League rivals.

The 32-year-old emerged as a target for the Hornets, Newcastle United and Crystal Palace earlier this month after supposedly seeing a move to Napoli break down.

Agent Vlasileiss Panagiotakis recently revealed that it was a straight shootout between the three English clubs for the Greece international's signature, and Watford have won the race by agreeing a short-term deal.

Karnezis, currently on international duty, is now expected to provide competition for the number-one jersey at Vicarage Road, which is currently occupied by Heurelho Gomes.

Watford are also thought to be close to agreeing a £3m deal for Sporting Lisbon defender Marvin Zeegelaar.