Castleford on verge of signing Hull FC star Liam Watts

Castleford Tigers are set to announce the shock signing of Hull FC prop Liam Watts in the next 24 hours.

Love Rugby League understands that Watts will sign a three-year deal with the 2017 League Leaders Shield winners for a large fee.

Watts is a fan favourite at the KCOM Stadium and there will no doubt be a lot of FC supporters who will be sad to see him go.

The 27-year-old has been at the Black and Whites since 2012 after he made the move across the city from rivals Hull Kingston Rovers.

Watts was sent off in Hull’s win over Warrington for headbutting Dom Crosby earlier this month and was handed a three-match ban.

The prop was slammed by coach Lee Radford at the time. Radford said: “It was a pathetic effort. He’s going to miss a lot of games and deserves it.”

It is understood that their relationship has broken down, with Castleford being the club who have won the race to sign Watts.

The deal is expected to be confirmed by end of play on Wednesday.