Watford's new signing Alexander Merkel says he turned down a number of offers from Germany to move to Vicarage Road.

The 21-year-old, who was born in Kazakhstan but has represented Germany at youth levels, left Udinese to sign for the Hornets on loan until the end of the season.

Merkel told the Watford Observer last week that it was his decision to join the Golden Boys and the creative midfielder now claims he also had offers from the Bundesliga.

"I had offers from clubs in the Bundesliga and Bundesliga 2," Merkel told Sport Bild magazine.

"But in view of the co-operation between Udinese and Watford, it was easier to take this step."

For the Watford Observer's full interview with Merkel click here.