Crystal Palace manager Alan Pardew has revealed he tried to sign Troy Deeney in the past ahead of the Eagles trip to Watford on Sunday.

Pardew, 54, admitted he is a huge admirer of the Watford striker, who was integral in providing the Hornets with promotion to the Premier League last season.

The Palace boss insisted that, despite the strong start his side have made in the league, newly-promoted Watford will be a stern test.

“I’m a big fan of Troy Deeney, he’s somebody I’ve tried to sign in the past and made enquires for," Pardew said.

“Deeney and Odion Ighalo are as good as any pair up front at the moment, they’ll give anyone a difficult afternoon, we need to be ready for that and find a way to score at Vicarage Road.

“It’s an important game in many ways as the winner will get up to 12 points and be in a great position in the league.”

Pardew also acknowledged that it will be difficult to break down Watford, who are yet to concede on home turn this season.

“We have a good feeling in our camp right now,” Pardew added.

“And Watford have a good feeling, so it’s going to be a tough game.

“We have a lot of pace in the team which lets us get up the pitch quickly, but Watford haven’t conceded a goal at home and they’ve played West Brom, Swansea and Southampton.

“That’s impressive in my book.

“The crowd at Watford are fantastic, I was there for the West Brom game.

"It will be a very tricky game for us."

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