Academy scholar Alex Jakubiak has joined the professional ranks at Watford after signing a two-year deal.

The 17-year-old striker, who made his first-team debut in the last game of the season against Huddersfield Town, has netted 23 goals for the Hornets Under-18s and in the Under-21 Premier League Cup and the club have an option to extend his contract by a further year.

The Watford Observer first reported at the end of March that Jakubiak was one of four scholars who would be given professional contracts. The Hornets refused to confirm the identity of the players at that stage but we understand the deals to sign central defenders Josh Doherty and Jorrell Johnson and midfielder George Byers are now close to being finalised.

Watford have also confirmed that Academy players Jazzi Barnum-Bobb, Bobson Bawling, Ollie Cox, Kurtis Cumberbatch, Chris Dillon, Ryan Hope and Daniel Wilks will be leaving the club when their scholarships end.