LEE Williamson has hot-footed it north this afternoon (Thursday) to beat the loan deadline and join Preston North End for the rest of the season.

The Lilywhites are on the verge of the Championship play-offs and Williamson is making the move to help bolster their ambitions to make it to the Premiership.

The central midfielder, who joined the Hornets over two years ago from Rotherham United, has seen his chances limited at Vicarage Road due to the ever improving form of the likes of Jack Cork and Ross Jenkins.

Williamson has made over 60 starts for the 'Orns and has scored five career goals at Watford, three of which have been in this season against Queens Park Rangers and Swansea, twice. His last appearance came against Sheffield Wednesday a fortnight ago.

Everyone at Watford wishes Lee well for the immediate future in his spell at Deepdale.

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