Newcastle United have upped the ante in their pursuit of Joao Pedro and have refused to rule out lodging a formal bid for the Brighton & Hove Albion star after influential figures at St James' Park entered discussions over whether a move would be possible, GIVEMESPORT sources have revealed.
Magpies head coach Eddie Howe has been frustrated in his attempts to secure fresh attacking impetus heading into next season, with Nottingham Forest rejecting a £45million offer for Anthony Elanga earlier this week, but members of the recruitment department have continued scouring the market for potential acquisitions.
Although keeping Alexander Isak on Tyneside has been prioritised by Newcastle, leading to them being prepared to break their wage record in an effort to convince him to sign a new contract, Pedro has also been pinpointed as a target as they seek to secure fresh competition ahead of a campaign which will include Champions League action.
Magpies Enter Discussions Over Pedro Swoop
Tyneside giants have serious interest in recruiting frontman
Joao Pedro watching on from the Brighton & Hove Albion bench
Newcastle have made contact to sign Pedro instead of Elanga, according to GMS sources, and the talks have been productive as they have resulted in the 2024/25 Carabao Cup winners having a clear understanding of his situation ahead of potentially tabling an opening proposal for his signature.
The striker, who has been described as an 'absolute superstar' thanks to his performances in a Brighton shirt, would put pressure on first-choice marksman Isak for a regular starting berth at a time when there is still uncertainty over whether Callum Wilson will remain at St James' Park.
GMS sources have been informed that Newcastle are serious about their interest in Pedro, having seen him enjoy a productive campaign in his current surroundings, but they will have to splash the cash in order to get the deal over the line as he is valued similarly to initial target Elanga at £60million.
Joao Pedro's statistics for Brighton & Hove Albion this season
The Magpies are not the only side chasing the 23-year-old as reigning Premier League champions Liverpool have also had him on their radar, highlighting that there remains a possibility that he could find himself at the centre of a bidding war as the summer transfer window progresses.
Newcastle and fellow suitors have been handed a significant boost as Pedro has made it clear that he wants to leave Brighton, GMS sources have learned, and the funds initially earmarked for Elanga could be used to raid the Seagulls as Howe goes in search of additional ammunition in the final third of the pitch.
Howe Adamant Pedro Would Bring New Edge
Brazil international's versatility seen as additional attractive trait
Joao Pedro in action for Brighton & Hove Albion
GMS sources have been told that Howe is confident that Pedro would add a new edge to Newcastle's attacking play if he embarks on a fresh challenge at St James' Park, while his versatility is also an attractive trait as preparations are made for a return to Champions League action.
Although the Brazil international still has three years remaining on a contract which allows him to pocket £50,000-per-week, which would usually result in Brighton being in a strong negotiating position, his desire to walk away from the Amex Stadium has led to the Magpies sniffing an opportunity to pounce.
Newcastle are hopeful that their chase for Pedro will go more smoothly than their efforts to land Elanga as they have discovered what would be needed to acquire his services, GMS sources understand, and they are currently weighing up whether to meet those demands as Howe's squad edge towards returning for pre-season.
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The Magpies are in danger of facing a battle to keep Isak as GMS sources recently revealed that Liverpool are ready to shatter the British transfer record in order to lure the centre forward to Anfield, but his current employers are doing everything they can to ensure their options are strengthened instead of being weakened.
All statistics courtesy of Sofascore - correct as of 25/06/2025
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