Newcastle United could get a huge discount if they are able to sign Joao Pedro from Brighton.
The Magpies are stepping up their interest in the 23-year-old, with Newcastle becoming more confident they can sign Pedro.
The Brighton attacker has replaced Bryan Mbeumo as Newcastle’s top target. Eddie Howe did want the Brentford star, only for Newcastle to decide that Mbeumo is too expensive.
Toon officials have since turned their attention to Joao Pedro, whose future appears to lie away from the Amex Stadium.
Brighton forward Joao Pedro waits to take a penalty during a Premier League game against Leicester City.
Photo by Charlie Crowhurst/Getty Images
Brighton ‘ready’ to sell Newcastle United target Joao Pedro
That is according to TBR Football’s chief correspondent Graeme Bailey, who has spoken to Geordie Boot Boys about how much money Pedro could cost this summer.
“Joao Pedro is looking like the most likely addition at this point,” he said.
“He wants out of Brighton and they are ready to let him go. I think there is a chance that he goes for a decent fee, less than £60million. Considering Brighton were valuing him near £100million last year, that would represent good business.”
How Eddie Howe could use Joao Pedro at Newcastle United
Pedro is open to joining Newcastle, while he is also willing to play on the right of attack when required. That will give the Magpies real depth in attack, with Bailey stating that ‘progress’ is being made to bring the Brazilian to Tyneside.
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“We know Pedro is willing to play on the right of attack,” he said.
“He would be an option out there if he arrived. He would give Newcastle that extra layer of options. They could play Gordon on the left, Isak through the middle and Pedro on the right. Alternatively, it could be Barnes on the left, Pedro through the middle and Murphy on the right.
“Newcastle are making progress. Pedro is very much the number one forward target as it stands.”
That kind of versatility and depth is exactly what Howe is looking for, as the Magpies prepare to return to the Champions League.
Newcastle need options in attack, and Pedro is very much capable of offering that.