Watford 'win race for England Under-19 star Ben Wilmot'

Watford have reportedly fended off competition from Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea to complete the signing of highly-rated Stevenage centre-back Ben Wilmot.

The Hornets are on the verge of completing a deal for the England Under-19 defender worth £1.5m, according to The Sun.

Wilmot has been a regular fixture in the Stevenage defence this season but, according to the report, was left out of their squad last weekend so that he could hold talks with Watford.

The Hertfordshire club have been tipped to attempt to bring Wilmot back on loan once his move to the Premier League has been finalised.

Arsenal and Spurs allegedly had bids of around £1m rejected.