Southend United have reportedly won the battle to sign highly-rated defender Adam Thompson from Watford.
The Northern Ireland Under-21 international had been on loan with the League Two outfit, but it is believed that he has now joined on a permanent basis.
According to Sky Sports News, a number of Football League clubs had threatened to scupper the move, but Southend managed to hold off late interest to complete the deal.
It is understood that Thompson, who has previously had loan spells with Brentford, Wycombe Wanderers and Barnet, has been handed an 18-month contract.
