Watford have completed the signing of M’Baye Niang from AC Milan on loan until the end of the season with a view to a permanent transfer, the Premier League club announced on Thursday.

What are the details?

This move has come as somewhat of a shock considering that Arsenal, West Ham United and Liverpool were touted as potential destinations for the forward.

The 22-year-old has made it clear that the chance to play under manager Walter Mazzarri was a driving force behind his decision to move to Vicarage Road.

The 22-year-old joined Milan in 2012 with plenty of promise, and was eventually shipped out on loan to Montpellier and Genoa.

This season the forward has made 18 appearances for the Italian outfit, but has managed to score on just three occasions.

Niang is not deemed crucial to Vincenzo Montella's campaign at the San Siro, and now could potentially join Watford on a permanent deal if he impresses at Vicarage Road.

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What will Watford get from him?

Well, as mentioned, he has not been particularly prolific in terms of goals, which Watford need having scored just four in their last seven Premier League games.

What they will benefit from is Niang's pace. The forward can cause problems for defenders when he is charging at them, and the likes of Troy Deeney and Stefano Okaka could use his service.

With the likelihood that his Milan career is coming to an end, particularly after the Italian club acquired Gerard Deulofeu on loan, Niang has a chance to really make his mark in the Premier League.

He could turn out to be a key figure in the Hornet's survival bid, with the club currently 14th in the standings after winning just six of their 22 games.

The Frenchman follows Mauro Zarate and Tom Cleverley through the welcome gates.

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