Watford confirm double deal for Chelsea, Palace men

Matt Stead

Watford have re-signed Adrian Mariappa on a three-year contract.

The defender, 29, has returned to the club four years after leaving for Reading and having been released by Crystal Palace earlier this summer.

He came through Watford’s academy, establishing himself at the club in the 2006-07 season before their relegation from the Premier League.

After 247 appearances Mariappa joined Reading, who were similarly relegated back to the Sky Bet Championship, before signing for Palace a year later.

The last of his appearances there came in May’s FA Cup final defeat to Manchester United.

The Jamaica international’s return to Vicarage Road was announced on the Hornet’s official website.

Watford have also confirmed the signing of Kenedy from Chelsea on a season-long loan.

The Brazilian, 20, made 20 appearances last season, his first at the club.

His arrival at Vicarage Road comes after Nathan Ake’s profile grew throughout the course of the past season, having also been on loan at Watford from Chelsea.