Former Premier League manager Alan Pardew has praised Chelsea’s fresh push to sign Brazilian forward Joao Pedro.
Pardew’s former team, Newcastle United were initially in the race to sign Pedro, but it’s the Blues who are reportedly closing in on player’s signature.
Pedro has enjoyed two solid seasons in front of goal for Brighton & Hove Albion, with 29 Premier League goals scored, but the former Watford star has been heavily linked with an exit.
However, the Seagulls will not let their No.9 leave without a fight, and they are prepared to demand a transfer fee in excess of £50m [$69m] to release him to Chelsea.
Pardew is a big fan of Pedro and the former Magpies boss lauded Chelsea for snapping up a player of Pedro’s calibre , ahead of his old team.
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What Pardew said about Chelsea signing Joao Pedro
Speaking about Pedro’s move to Chelsea on talkSPORT, Pardew said,: “The fee looks excessive, but obviously Newcastle wanted him, he’s established, he can play through the middle, he can play off the side, he gives you great variation, I think he’s a great player. It’s a big fee, but I think he can justify it.
As Pardew points out, Pedro is a versatile player who can play in a number of different positions, and his flexibility could help him justify the huge price tag he will carry on his shoulders as a Chelsea player.
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