Cumbrian top-flight striker Glenn Murray has agreed to join Watford on a season-long loan from Brighton.

The veteran former Carlisle United and Workington Reds frontman tonight headed to Vicarage Road.

Murray, 36, has joined the newly-relegated Championship side in search of regular first-team football.

Brighton said they could not guarantee him that and so allowed him to leave with their blessing.

The Premier League club have paid a warm tribute to the Cumbrian frontman, who is their record post-war goalscorer.

Brighton boss Graham Potter said of the Maryport man: "It is understandable that Glenn would like to play regular football at this stage of this career, and this move gives him that opportunity with Watford.

“He could easily have stayed here, been part of the squad and we would have been very happy to have his experience and personality within the dressing room – but we could not guarantee him regular football.

“He makes the move with our full blessing and best wishes. Glenn has been outstanding for this football club, a great pro and pleasure to work with. He quite rightly has earned legend status here."

Chairman Tony Bloom also paid tribute to Murray, adding: “Glenn has been a tremendous player for us across both spells and played his part in two promotion campaigns.

"He would be in many fans’ all-time Albion teams, and his goalscoring record has been superb.

“As chairman, and on behalf of all Albion fans I would like to thank Glenn for all he has done for the club, and wish him well for the season ahead.”

Murray's two spells with Brighton have seen him score 111 goals in 285 goals, putting him second to Tommy Cook (125 goals) in the club's all-time scoring chart.

The ex-Reds, Carlisle and Barrow striker could be in the frame to figure under new Hornets boss Vladimir Ivić as Watford prepare for their Championship opener at home to Middlesbrough on Friday, September 11.