Watford head coach Rob Edwards says Newcastle United target Joao Pedro has the 'hard work' to match his talent, which makes him a 'very special' player.
The Magpies have reportedly had a bid in the region of £20 million turned down by Watford for Pedro. It's unclear as to whether Newcastle will come back in with an improved offer, although Watford are adamant that the forward is not for sale.
The 20-year-old has worked under five different managers in his two years at Watford, with the latest being new boss Edwards. Pedro scored the first goal of Edwards' reign, netting in Watford's 1-0 win over Sheffield United at the start of August.
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He is seen as being key to Watford's promotion chances this season, and Edwards has been impressed with both his defensive and offensive work so far this campaign.
“João is a very talented player, and when you marry talent with hard work you’ve got potential to be very special, and he has that potential in him,” said Edwards.
“He’s a great person, a team player, and he showed both sides of his game against Sheffield United. Joao has that licence to find spaces. Whether he goes outside or comes deep, he knows he can go and look for the space. He’s a clever player, and he’ll find the gaps.
“As coaches we can help him, but he’s such an intelligent player already that he will find the spaces on the pitch. He then knows has the freedom to express himself."
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