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Football

01st Sep 2016

Leicester City sign Irish teenager on two-year deal from UCD

Huge move for the youngster

Darragh Murphy

Dylan Watts has secured a fairytale move to a club that knows a thing or two about fairytales.

Premier League champions Leicester City today announced the signing of the UCD teenager on a two-year deal after he impressed last season in the UEFA Europa League qualifiers and the League of Ireland First Division.

The 19-year-old, who has six caps for the Republic of Ireland’s Under-19 side, joins the Foxes for an undisclosed fee.

Blackrock’s Watts, an attacking midfielder, will link up initially with Leicester’s Under-23 development side after drawing the attention of the club’s Head of 17-21 Recruitment David Johnson.

“I’m really looking forward to the challenges ahead,” Watts said of the deal.

“It is a big opportunity for me, and it is brilliant to be joining the Premier League champions.”

UCD manager Collie O’Neill said of the former St. Kevin’s midfielder: “Dylan is one of the best players I’ve ever had the pleasure of working with, technically very good with good quick feet.

“He’s made great strides in the last two years from not being a regular in our U19s to being one of the first names I put on the teamsheet for the first team.

“If he continues to make the same progression, then there’s no reason why he can’t eventually make his Premiership debut.”

The new GAA Hour football podcast is here. Listen to Colm Parkinson, Senan Connell, and Barry Cahill dissect a classic between Dublin and Kerry. Subscribe here on iTunes.

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