Zola confirmed as Watford manager

Gianfranco Zola has been confirmed as the new manager of Watford (Reuters)

Gianfranco Zola has been confirmed as the new manager of Watford following their takeover by the Italian Pozzo family. The 45-year-old former Chelsea player and West Ham manager has signed a two-year contract and replaces the recently dismissed Sean Dyche.

Watford's newly appointed technical director, Gianluca Nani, told the club website: "Everyone knows how Gianfranco Zola likes football to be played. I think Watford's fans can expect an exciting and attacking style from his team. Gianfranco represents this project perfectly."

Salomon Kalou has joined the French side Lille following his release by Chelsea. The Ivory Coast forward, who spent six years at Stamford Bridge, has agreed a four-year deal with the Ligue 1 club. Kalou's signing was announced by Lille yesterday after the player completed a medical, with the club's website confirming the 26-year-old Champions' League winner was "committed to the club until 2016".

Kalou made 254 appearances for Chelsea and scored 60 goals. The frontman ended last season as a key member of manager Roberto Di Matteo's plans, making the starting line-up for Chelsea's victories in the FA Cup and Champions' League finals.

Kalou joins a Lille side who were champions of France in 2011 and finished third last season to secure Champions' League qualification. The club are moving to a new stadium for the coming season.

Jonathan Woodgate, the 32-year-old central defender, has left Stoke and signed again for Middlesbrough on a three-year deal. Woodgate first signed for Boro in a £7 million move from Real Madrid in 2007 following a loan spell at the Riverside.