Doubts have emerged over a move for Brighton's Joao Pedro as other options for Newcastle United are mentioned
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Joao Pedro has been linked with a move to Newcastle United
Joao Pedro has been linked with a move to Newcastle United
(Image: Getty Images)
Doubts over a move for Brighton forward Joao Pedro have emerged, as another Premier League club could join the race for the Brazilian - and some Chronicle Live readers in our comments section say that that Newcastle United should avoid getting bogged down in an expensive bidding war, and turn their attentions elsewhere.
Former top target Bryan Mbeumo appears to be going to either Manchester United or Tottenham Hotspur, so the Magpies need to look at someone else to top up their attacking contingent. The club are said to be readying to bid for Brighton forward Pedro, aiming for a £60 million fee where his current club want £70m - a significant signing after a few low-spending transfer windows in a row.
He would likely play on the right wing for Eddie Howe, after a season in which Jacob Murphy was relied upon for the majority of the games. He could also be another option as a striker behind Isak in the pecking order, if talks with Callum Wilson end up with him leaving Newcastle.
The club are thought to be concerned about Chelsea making their own move for Pedro, a process which the London club could find easier after establishing good transfer links with Brighton in recent years.
Pedro has scored 30 times over 70 appearances in all competitions for Brighton, helping them to top their Europa League group two years ago.
Fans are cool on the idea of signing Joao Pedro - doubly so if it comes with a protracted, expensive bidding war with a bullish Chelsea. Reader Kevykev says: "Well if Chelsea want to pay 60 or 70 million for Pedro, let them. I don't even know why we are interested at that type of price, he isn't worth half that. Just something I want to put out there - what if we could sign Jack Grealish on a season-long loan deal, and play him as a 10 behind Isak?"
Commenter Terrymcdine writes: "Apparently Viktor Gyokeres is available for £70m. And Brighton want that amount for Pedro? They must be joking!"
MIG says: "I don't rate Pedro anyway, and at 70 million, forget it. Get someone in half that price, and better." Curranzie agrees: "At 70m Chelsea can definitely have Pedro!"
Pedro does have his supporters, including Tumbla, who says: "Isak, Pedro, Wilson and Sean Neave as strikers going into a fresh campaign, SHOULD be enough to challenge on four fronts. Osula too if were really desperate, as he looks to be destined for a spot out wide."
Petrus agrees: "Pedro & young Antonio Nusa would show some intent. Should hopefully be an interesting few weeks."
Fans are also cautious on our Facebook page, with Bryan Kerswill saying: "If we are actually after him, and yet he prefers Chelsea, then clearly he's welcome to go there and sit on the bench."
Fred Stephen has different priorities: "I don't understand why we would be interested in Pedro. He's a centre-forward and light years behind Isak in ability. We have more urgent priorities in positions like the need for upgrades at RW, GK, and cover for Burn and Schar who aren't getting any younger or quicker."
Kevin Kirton wants to see a big display of intent, and Pedro isn't it: "To be fair he's never stood out in my eyes. Pay the extra, go for either Osimhen or Gyokeres, that would be a big statement to the rest of the Premier League."
Have your say! Would you prefer that Newcastle United made a stronger play for the players that they want, even if it means fending off other clubs? Or is it better to abandon harder targets? Comment below, and join in on the conversation.
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