Newcastle United have once again been linked with a move for Brazilian forward Joao Pedro after originally missing out on the player when he left Watford.
João Pedro moved from Watford to Brighton and Hove Albion in 2023 after a move to Newcastle collapsed.
Newcastle went on to sign Alexander Isak instead, so we can't be too upset about missing out on the £30 million transfer, even if a move today will cost us more than twice that fee.
A figure of £70 million has been mooted if Newcastle are to take the 23-year-old off Brighton's hands. However, that astonishing price hike may be the least of Newcastle's worries.
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Alexander Isak's mere presence in Newcastle's squad is making striker recruitment a nightmare
Alexander Isak is causing Newcastle United a whole load of problems this summer
As reported by Luke Edwards in The Telegraph's most depressing article this week, Newcastle face some huge obstacles if they are to convince João Pedro to head north.
Obviously, the £70 million asking price is one of the hurdles with the Magpies operating under a strict budget if they are to get in all the players they want this summer.
But aside from that, there's the big problem that Newcastle are going to come up against every time they look to buy a good striker this summer - Alexander Isak.
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João Pedro's versatility could keep the deal alive
João Pedro, like almost every striker we're likely to speak to this summer, will be well aware that Alexander Isak, one of the best strikers in the world right now, is Newcastle's first-choice centre-forward.
So, unless Eddie Howe is looking to play with two up top, any incoming forward is going to have to make peace with the fact that they will always be the second choice when Isak is fit and available. João Pedro is not the type of player who will be happy with that.
What could save it when it comes to Pedro, though, is that he can play right across the forward line, which could see him being used a lot more than if he were solely a centre-forward.
Again, though, he's not likely to be the first choice for any of those positions, especially if Newcastle sign a new right-winger. Oh, what fun.