Peterborough Smash Transfer Record To Land Watford Striker Britt Assombalonga

By Matthew Ford /

Peterborough United have today reportedly smashed their transfer record to land 20-year-old Watford striker Britt Assombalonga, according to chairman Darragh MacAnthony (Via BBC Sport). Posh have moved to land what MacAnthony called their "no 1 transfer target" and have given the forward a four-year deal at London Road. He expressed his delight over Twitter by using the hashtag goals and then by stating that his side had now found a "new number 9 at last". Assombalonga who spent last season on loan at League 2 side Southend United will most certainly bolster a strikeforce that was left somewhat light following the departure of Dwight Gayle to Crystal Palace. He arrives for what is currently an undisclosed fee - though early indications suggest it is around the £1.5 million mark. During his time at Roots Hall he netted sixteen goals and is now presented with the task of making the step up to League 1 for this coming season following Peterborough's relegation on the final day of the 2012/13 season. The London Road club's transfer dealings may not be done there however, with rumours that another forward may well be on his way very shortly. The previous club record signing was the move that saw Tyrone Barnett sign from Crawley Town in May 2012 for £1.1m. Watford were - we understand - very reluctant to part with the striker who they believed would have had a bright future at Vicarage Road, and have first refusal on any possible future transfer. Assombalonga is expected to go straight into the squad for the opening match of the season at home to Swindon Town on Saturday. Peterborough United manager Darren Ferguson was delighted with the signing and believes the striker who has previously had loan spells with Wealdstone and Braintree Town, has every chance of being successful in the third tier. "He has a lot of potential the boy, he is strong physically, good pace, good finisher and a really nice lad. He ticks all of the boxes," Ferguson told the Peterborough club website. "I had a good chat with Gianfranco (Zola) about him. We thought initially it was going to be a loan, but the chairman has come up with the money and that is fantastic for me."