Newcastle United transfer news with Joao Pedro hope offered
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Alexander Isak
Joao Pedro should not look at Alexander Isak as someone who will block his progress at Newcastle United if he signs for the club.
That's the view of former Magpies midfielder Didi Hamann, who thinks the Brighton forward could be a 'smart signing' for the club if they can clinch a £60million move for the Brazilian.
Pedro is set to leave Brighton this summer. The 23-year-old wants a new challenge and has informed the Seagulls of his desire to leave, with Chelsea and Newcastle both keen on acquiring his services.
The versatile forward has emerged as one of Newcastle's main targets after they lost out on Liam Delap to Chelsea. Eddie Howe is a big admirer of the player and believes he can provide support and competition for star man Isak.
Any striker coming into St James' Park will have to play second fiddle initially to the Swede, who struck 27 goals last season, but Hamann thinks Pedro should view it as a challenge.
And the German also says Isak may not be at the club long term if United don't push on, and that Pedro should view it as a chance to stake his claim by impressing with the chances he does get. Isak is a key part of Newcastle's plans but has been constantly linked with a move to Liverpool this summer.
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“Joao Pedro would be a smart signing for Newcastle, but it just depends on if he is happy playing back-up, which is a big if," Hamann told InstantWithdrawalBettingSites.
“I think he's a very capable player and has done really well for Brighton, but he might see Newcastle and think that eventually he could replace Alexander Isak having already won the fans over by scoring off the bench or whenever he gets his chances.
“If they don't challenge for the Premier League or Champions League next season then Isak might want to leave. But Newcastle do need to kick on so it would be a good signing, they need to consolidate after winning a trophy and getting back into the Champions League.
“They need to pick things up because in the Premier League, overall, it was a bit disappointing at times last season.”
Newcastle are set to open contract talks with Isak in a bid to tie him down on an extended contract.
The 25-year-old still has three years left on his current deal and United are in no hurry, but know that they need to keep him settled and show that he can fulfil all of his footballing ambitions on Tyneside.
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