Newcastle
Mick Brown
Sat 31 May 2025 8:00, UK
Newcastle United are plotting a move to sign Brighton star Joao Pedro as a key target ahead of the summer transfer window.
That is according to former Man United and Sunderland chief scout Mick Brown, who remains very well-connected within the game, as he exclusively told Football Insider that the 23-year-old is on Eddie Howe’s list of attacking options.
The imminent departure of Callum Wilson will force the Magpies to find a new backup for Alexander Isak, while Howe is also considering starting Isak and Pedro together.
This comes after Brown told Football Insider that Pedro is interested in leaving Brighton to take the step up to a bigger club amid interest from Chelsea.
The centre-forward wants to play European football next season after the Seagulls were denied Conference League qualification after Crystal Palace’s FA Cup win.
Meanwhile, Brown told Football Insider that Newcastle are interested in Chelsea’s Christopher Nkunku, but he will demand regular first-team football.
Joao Pedro playing for Brighton
Newcastle are interested in Joao Pedro. (Credit: Imago)
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Joao Pedro to quit Brighton and Newcastle join transfer race
Football Insider revealed on 18 May that Liverpool, Chelsea and Arsenal are interested in Pedro as Brighton will demand up to £70million for his services.
The former scout, who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment after over a decade at Man United during their most successful period, insisted that the Brazilian forward is increasingly likely to leave Brighton this summer.
“Joao Pedro is attracting interest from a lot of clubs,” he told Football Insider.
“He’s one of those players who always puts in a shift and has that extra bit of quality that can make the difference when he’s playing at his best.
“It looks like he’s open to leaving Brighton because I hear he wants to play European football.
“Newcastle are one of the clubs who have been keeping a close eye on his situation.
“Their interest comes firstly because if there’s any chance they might lose Isak.
“But even if they don’t, they’re going to lose Callum Wilson, so they’re going to have to have a dependable backup for Isak.
“If Pedro comes in, it also gives Howe the option of playing two up top.
“He’s a multi-talented forward who offers them something they haven’t got at the moment, so if the deal can be done it’s one they’ll be looking at.”
Newcastle manager Eddie Howe
Eddie Howe is aiming to improve his squad. (Credit: Hasan Karim, Breaking Media)
Dominic Calvert-Lewin update emerges at Everton
Pedro isn’t the only striker to be linked with a move to St James’ Park this summer amid ongoing speculation about Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s future at Everton.
Brown told Football Insider on 29 May that Calvert-Lewin is set to leave Everton as a result of concerns surrounding his recent injury issues.
However, those concerns are believed to be shared by Newcastle, who are reluctant to sign another injury-prone striker after Callum Wilson’s fitness troubles.
Brown told Football Insider on 18 April that Newcastle have had second thoughts about Calvert-Lewin, and the deal has hit a stumbling block.
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