Watford defender William Troost-Ekong is delighted Nigeria teammate Maduka Okoye will be joining them.

Okoye, 22, agreed a five-and-a-half year deal with the Hornets earlier this week that will come into effect on January 1, 2022, while he will then return to current club Sparta Rotterdam on loan until the end of the current campaign.

“I'm delighted to see Maduka sign for Watford," former Tottenham defender Troost-Ekong told Watford's website. “I've been speaking to him for a while about the different options he's had, and I knew the club were speaking to him, so it's great that it's over the line.

“We've spoken about playing in England before, and I had mentioned Watford. He's a very humble kid and he's kept his cards close to his chest, but I did say if the chance came around he had to jump at it.

“He's been part of the Nigeria team for the last two years or so now, and over that time he's made some fantastic steps. He moved to Holland from Germany and it's been incredible to see him take on the responsibility that comes with being a No.1.

“He's a very reliable goalkeeper with a huge will to learn, and I think he'll add a lot of strengths to the squad when he links up with us next year."