The Magpies have missed out on Joao Pedro but are confident that business will be done
Newcastle United have been linked with a summer swoop for Brighton forward Joao Pedro.
Newcastle United chiefs remain composed in the transfer market despite missing out on Joao Pedro.
United chiefs are set to react to what has been a second major blow of the window after Newcastle were priced out on Bryan Mbeumo's wage demands ahead of a switch to Manchester United. The move has been confirmed by sources close to the deal who have declared Chelsea the victors in a battle in which bids were received from Newcastle.
After staging discussions with Brighton & Hove Albion and bidding up to £50m, Newcastle were told that a fee closer to £60m plus add-ons was the asking price on the three-time Brazil international. But it is Chelsea that have ticked all the boxes and now proceed to land the former Watford forward.
Pedro was keen on the switch to London and was given encouragement by the Blues, with the Albion star having been offered a lucrative deal with the Stamford Bridge club. It's a situation in which Newcastle, who were prepared to make Pedro a good offer, have been unable to stop Chelsea in their tracks.
If anything details of Newcastle's £50million offer last week going public meant Chelsea aggressively pushed on with the move for Pedro despite having a wealth of attacking options anyway. Newcastle's return to the top five has resulted in their nearest rivals being on red alert at the start of the window with Man City, Man United, Liverpool and the Blues all pulling off a host of deals.
A seven-year contract is on the table according to The Athletic but Newcastle are already assessing other options. Chronicle Live has been told that July remains a key month for the Magpies and incoming and outgoing business is still on the cards.
Newcastle have been in further negotiations for Burnley keeper James Trafford with a fee to be agreed after a bid of £27m plus add ons was rejected by the Clarets. Trafford wants the move to Newcastle and personal terms are not thought to be an issue.
However, it is concerns within the fanbase on offensive players that are growing on Tyneside. Nevertheless, head coach Eddie Howe and his backroom team remain at work on deals and the Toon boss, Andy Howe and head of recruitment Steve Nickson have been active this weekend.
Sporting director Paul Mitchell leaves the club on Monday and could still check out without making a senior signing. But we understand that Mitchell's exit won't affect transfers moving forward and that club chiefs have optimism that they can strike deals in due course.
Nevertheless, Pedro's decision to join Chelsea will feel like a kick in the teeth for Newcastle who had him on a three-man shortlist to lure stars through the door in time for pre-season training. Having watched on as a £45m offer for Anthony Elanga was turned down along with struggles to agree a fee for Trafford, Pedro's move to Stamford Bridge can only be considered a big blow with no senior stars over the line yet.
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