Stevenage have sold 18-year-old Ben Wilmot to Premier League outfit Watford for a club record fee.

The young defender rose through the ranks at the club, after joining the Academy aged 14, and made 15 first-team appearances last season, while also leading the under-18s to the fourth round of the FA Youth Cup.

The cultured centre-back won his first caps as well during the course of the campaign and won the LFE League Two apprentice of the year award and has signed a five-year contract at Vicarage Road.

The record transfer fee is undisclosed but could rise further depending on future appearances and club chairman Phil Wallace hailed the move for Wilmot.

He told the club website: “We are all absolutely delighted for Ben and are full of confidence that he will thrive in Premier League surroundings.

“We wish him all the best and would like to thank him, his family, his agent and Watford for their co-operation during this process.

“We have always known he was a Premier League talent and it is no surprise that our recent emphasis on player development would resulte in news like this.

“Watford are getting an outstanding young man and footballer. The pathway from our academy to first team has never been clearer which obviously bodes well for the future.

“A record sale is huge news for the club and finanically, extremely useful. We will ensure the funds are used sensibly and in the best interests of Stevenage FC.”