Watford have been frustrated by the UK work permit panel over Adalberto Penaranda.

The Daily Mail says Watford are upset after the FA turned down a work permit for one of their players, especially as England Under 20 World Cup-winning coach Paul Simpson had strongly backed the Premier League club's request.

The application from Venezuelan Adalberto Penaranda was rejected for a second successive year, despite the starring role he played in helping his country reach the U20 World Cup final in South Korea where they lost to England.

Added to Watford's frustration is the belief that the Big Six in the top flight secure work permits much easier than the smaller clubs. The FA say work permits are always decided by a rigorous set of criteria that is regularly updated in conjunction with the leagues and government.