Newcastle United are set to miss out on Brighton forward Joao Pedro to Chelsea.
Joao Pedro is reportedly set to join Chelsea in a crucial blow to Newcastle United’s transfer plans.
The Magpies are understood to have held talks with Brighton after headhunting the forward as a key target. Several sources have suggested Newcastle saw an opening offer - worth around £50million - turned down.
Pedro made it clear to Brighton chiefs he wanted to leave following a bust-up at the back end of the campaign. A training ground incident resulted in the 23-year-old missing the final-day win over Tottenham Hotspur.
That paved the way for Newcastle to strike for a player they almost signed three years ago. Then at Watford, a transfer was all but done before breaking down at the final hurdle.
United ultimately changed tack and pounced for club-record signing Alexander Isak. That move has paid dividends, with the Swede becoming one of Europe’s elite strikers.
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Fast forward to the present and Newcastle returned for Pedro - now an established Premier League star - ahead of a congested Champions League campaign. His versatility - with him being able to play as a forward, No.10 or out wide - is liked by Eddie Howe.
However, The Athletic’s transfer guru David Ornstein claims Chelsea have agreed a deal for the Brazilian. Ironically, the fee is reported as being around £50million - a similar ballpark to Newcastle’s offer.
But the player is said to have always preferred a London move and will pen a seven-year contract at Stamford Bridge. A medical is currently being arranged as the Magpies regroup after suffering their first major setback of the window.
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