Watford bought out by Udinese owners

Championship outfit Watford have come to an agreement with the Pozzo family over the ownership of the club.

The Pozzo Group have been heavily linked with a move for Watford in recent times, as regular speculation surrounding the future of the club surfaced.

And a deal in principle has now been agreed, with only the finer details to be finalised.

“The board of directors, acting on behalf of Watford Football Club, is pleased to confirm that agreement has been reached in principle for the transfer of ownership to the Pozzo family,” an official statement from the Vicarage Road outfit said.

“Representatives from the family have been in discussions with Watford Football Club and both parties have agreed initial terms.

“Further information from Watford Football Club will be released, as appropriate, via its official website, watfordfc.com.”

The Pozzo Group also own Italian football club Udinese and Spanish outfit Granada.

They will take over from Laurence Bassini, who led the Watford FC Limited group in their purchase of the club 15 months ago.

Bassini had a public spat with club chairman Graham Taylor in November but watched Watford finish the season well, earning themselves an 11th-placed finish.