Newcastle United’s deal to sign Joao Pedro from Brighton is heading in the right direction, Geordie Boot Boys understand.
The Magpies have made their first move to sign the 23-year-old, with Newcastle offering £50million for Pedro.
However, that approach was rebuffed by Brighton, just like Newcastle’s James Trafford bid was by Burnley.
But that is not the end of Newcastle’s pursuit of Pedro, who almost moved to Tyneside in 2022.
Brighton & Hove Albion FC v Leicester City FC - Premier League
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How much Joao Pedro could cost Newcastle United with transfer ‘looking likely’
Geordie Boot Boys have spoken to TBR Football’s chief correspondent Graeme Bailey, who understands that Newcastle’s interest in Pedro is ‘looking likely’ to end with the Brazilian forward swapping the Amex Stadium for St James’ Park.
“The deal is there to be done for Joao Pedro, in the same way that it is not there to do for Elanga,” he said.
“Joao Pedro to Newcastle is looking likely from what I am told. It could come in at under £60million, which would represent good business.
“There is circumstance surrounding his potential exit, which Newcastle could take advantage of. We know why he is available in the first place, and he does want to leave Brighton. They are open to selling him. His position is not untenable, but they are happy to move him on.”
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Brighton are willing to sell Pedro after he was involved in a training ground bust-up with teammate Jan Paul van Hecke towards the end of the 2024/25 season. Following that incident, Pedro did not feature in Brighton’s final two games of the season.
Newcastle United still face competition to sign Joao Pedro
Newcastle United are very much the favourites to sign Pedro, but Bailey insists there is still the threat of Chelsea swooping in.
“There is interest in him from Chelsea too,” he added.
“It is not necessarily done and dusted from a Newcastle point of view. However, Newcastle are progressing with this deal.”
Chelsea want Pedro too, but it feels like a move to Tyneside would be the best thing for his career. The Blues have already signed Liam Delap this summer, yet are still looking for another forward.
Pedro would not necessarily be a guaranteed starter at Stamford Bridge, whereas he could swiftly become a key player at St James’ Park. Picking Eddie Howe’s side would also allow him to play in the Champions League, which is something he has never done in his career.