Newcastle United have now tabled an offer for a "superb" international forward, with a reply given in the last 24 hours.
The Magpies had a frustrating summer in 2024, with both Eddie Howe and Paul Mitchell reportedly left disappointed by the lack of funds available.
Howe has spoken far more positively about how the current transfer window may pan out at St James' Park, however, discussing the "different mindset" within the club.
"Yeah, the difference in mentality, really, for where we were, knowing that we, this time last year, we were in a selling position, we needed to raise revenue. And that's a totally different mindset to being in the one that we are now, with a different mindset and different possibilities.
"It is a big summer for us because every transfer window is big. You want to go, preferably, into the new season with a stronger squad than the one that you entered with. And that's always the challenge."
Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe before the match-1
Newcastle have reportedly opened talks with Brighton striker Joao Pedro over a summer switch to St James' Park, and now there has been a fresh development.
Newcastle submit offer for Joao Pedro, reply received
According to The Telegraph's Luke Edwards, Newcastle have launched an offer of around £50m for Pedro, as well as moves for Anthony Elanga and James Trafford.
The 3-cap Brazilian is seen as a strong option to provide added firepower to Howe's attack this summer, having proven himself in the Premier League last season, but The Times have since revealed Newcastle's bid for Pedo has been rejected.
joao-pedro-brighton
Pedro would be a brilliant signing for Newcastle if they up their bid, bringing something different to the attack to Alexander Isak, in terms of dropping deep and linking with the midfield.
The 23-year-old has an impressive tally of 30 goals in 70 appearances for Brighton, as well as chipping in with 10 assists, and he should only grow as a footballer by being surrounded by top-quality players.
Pedro's quality hasn't been lost on Newcastle legend Alan Shearer, with the Englishman lauding aspects of his game during one performance last season.
"This for me is a brilliant centre-forward goal. The way he follows it up and he is expecting the rebound to get there. He reacts before anyone else does and then he gets his reward. His hold-up play was superb at times when he had to keep hold of the ball and bring his team-mates into play."
It remains to be seen if Newcastle will manage to complete the signing of Pedro this summer - Brighton are understandably desperate to keep hold of him - but he is the calibre of player that the club need to bring in.
Nottingham Forest's Anthony Elanga-1 Related
[He'd be a dream for Elanga: Newcastle open talks to sign "magical" £60m ace](https://www.footballfancast.com/hed-be-a-dream-for-elanga-newcastle-open-talks-to-sign-joao-pedro/ "He'd be a dream for Elanga: Newcastle open talks to sign "magical" £60m ace")
Eddie Howe is looking to bolster Newcastle's frontline this summer.
With Champions League football back at St James' in 2025/26, some elite additions are required in Howe's squad, and it promises to be an exciting few months in the transfer market.