Newcastle are reportedly ‘fearful’ that their pursuit of Brighton star Joao Pedro could be hijacked. The Magpies are keen to acquire the services of the forward this summer as they look to bolster their attacking ranks.
Pedro is expected to leave the Seagulls this summer following another impressive campaign at the Amex Stadium, scoring 10 goals and registering six assists in 27 appearances. But after some internal struggles, which included a training ground bust-up with Jan Paul van Hecke, the ex-Watford star is now set to depart.
Newcastle are widely regarded as frontrunners to secure Pedro’s signature, but talkSPORT report that Eddie Howe’s side are not entirely confident in their pursuit. The Magpies ‘fear their move’ will be hijacked by Chelsea this summer.
The Toon Army are ‘cautious’ about finding themselves in a bidding war with Enzo Maresca’s side, as well as Pedro’s other suitors, which includes Liverpool and Arsenal. However, it is Chelsea who they are most concerned about at this stage.
A deal for Pedro is reportedly expected to cost in the region of £70million, though it remains to be seen whether Brighton demand an increased fee given the level of interest in their No. 9.
Although many of Pedro’s suitors have shortlisted the 23-year-old as a striker target, Newcastle are particularly taken by the idea of playing him out wide – which would allow Alexander Isak to continue to lead the line on Tyneside.
However, a bid for Pedro is likely to set off alarm bells around Europe nonetheless, with Isak admired by countless clubs after asserting himself as one of the best strikers in Europe last season. Although the Magpies insist that the Sweden international remains part of their plans in the future, suitors may take a chance if Pedro does complete the move to Newcastle.
Though it is also worth noting that if the higher powers internally feel that Pedro is capable of replacing Isak, any transfer hijack of Brighton’s talisman could hinder their own chances of securing the latter.
There are already numerous moving parts in the striker market this summer, which includes Darwin Nunez, Viktor Gyokeres and Hugo Ekitike, which could also play a role in the future of both Pedro and Isak.