Steve Clarke: Matej Vydra was "my priority target"

By Tom Nightingale, Reporter | 01 September 2015

Reading manager Steve Clarke reveals that Matej Vydra was his priority transfer target after the Watford striker joined the Royals on a season-long loan on Tuesday.

Reading manager Steve Clarke has revealed that bringing Watford striker Matej Vydra to the Madejski Stadium was his first priority after hearing about his availability.

The Czech Republic international joined the Royals on a season-long loan on Tuesday after failing to feature in any of the Hornets' first four Premier League games of the season.

Vydra scored 16 goals in 42 Championship appearances last season as Watford won promotion, and Clarke admits that he is delighted to have been able to bring him to Reading.

Clarke told the Royals' official website: "When I heard last week that it might be possible for Matej to come out of Watford on loan I immediately made him my priority target.

"Thanks to a lot of effort and great backing from the owners we now have in our squad for this season a proven Championship goalscorer.

"I do not need to highlight Matej's qualities as they are there for all to see. This is a signing that should excite everyone connected with Reading and I look forward to working with Matej for a second time."

Vydra, who previously played under Clarke during a loan spell at West Bromwich Albion in 2013-14, has become Reading's 12th signing of the summer.