Danny Shittu has opted for a move to watford

By Noel Hadley
August 6 2006

Watford have beat West Brom to the signing of Danny Shittu this weekend and the big man has now completed his move to the Premiership side after nearly five years at Loftus Road.

The lure of playing at a higher level, not having to be around Captain Marvel every day and all without moving house obviously proved too much for Dan and he'll now be marking the likes of Rooney and Henry this season.

The Watford deal works out slightly better for Q.P.R. as well, we receive 1.6 million upfront, rather than the 1.5 million the Baggies had offered, with the remainder of the three million paid subject to certain secret conditions being met.

Hopefully now the money can be used the strengthen the squad as a whole, with Damion Stewart making a good start to his Rangers career on Saturday perhaps a decent striker might be a more sensible investement right now rather than a direct replacement for Dan.

West Brom Chairman Jeremy Peace said "We feel we did everything possible to secure the player. However, we found out during the course of our negotiations that Watford's interest had been rekindled and that the player wanted to have talks with them. Clearly, the lure of playing in the Premiership has influenced the player's decision."

Watford boss Aidy Boothroyd "In Danny we're signing another player who fits the Watford way - hungry to learn, and eager to prove his worth at the very, very top level against the best.

also:Cardiff City's chief transfer target Jason Koumas is confident he will complete a move to Ninian Park later this week.

The Welsh international had a superb season with the Bluebirds last term as he enjoyed a season-long loan spell with the club. Since returning to Albion Cardiff have been locked in negotiations to bring the player to South Wales permanently, but have struggled to agree a fee with the Hawthorns club.

West Brom have put a £2million price tag on the head of the unhappy midfielder. Despite the player's fall-out with manager Bryan Robson, they have refused to listen to any offers below this valuation and were equally dismissive of suggested 'payment plans' from Ninian Park. However, after weeks of negotiations, Koumas is confident that a deal is now close and that the transfer is set to be completed.