Ashley Fletcher has moved to Premier League Watford after his release from Middlesbrough.

The Hornets have confirmed the 25-year-old striker has joined the club on a free transfer. 

Fletcher made 108 appearances in his time at Boro scoring 28 goals over four seasons. However, club and player failed to come to terms over an extension of his contract. 

Fletcher was told that he and Britt Assombalonga wouldn't be part of the matchday squads for Boro's remaining four games of the season as the pair were out of contract in the summer. 

In a recent interview with BBC Radio Tees Sport, Fletcher said: “I was offered a new deal around Christmas time.

“As a 25-year-old Championship striker that’s getting to a dangerous time for the football club because from January I’m free to speak to other clubs. So I felt a little bit let down by the club.

“We’d spoken earlier in the season but agreed to wait until a little bit later to see what was happening because I was injured as well.

“So in a way I had a little bit of power in terms of what I do going forward with my career. I’m 25, English, had a decent season the year before, so it’s obvious you’re going to attract interest.

“The ball was in my court. I was injured at the time and I just said to the club I wanted to come back and get myself fit and we’d speak at the end of the season. I had that power in deciding where to go because I was on a free transfer.

“I did want to stay at Middlesbrough, but other things come along and you have to take a look at it as well.

“Ultimately, the decision was kind of taken out of my hands. But there are no regrets and no bad blood.”

A move to Watford had been on the cards for some time and now Fletcher gets the chance to play Premier League football with the newly promoted Hornets.