Newcastle United have identified Joao Pedro as a top summer transfer target and are preparing to step up their pursuit of the Brighton & Hove Albion forward, according to The Telegraph’s Mike McGrath.
McGrath reports that “Newcastle United are ready to step up their pursuit of João Pedro after identifying the Brighton and Hove Albion forward as having the ideal profile to bolster Eddie Howe’s attack.”
The shift in direction comes after Newcastle’s earlier interest in Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo was overtaken by Manchester United.
“Howe initially targeted Bryan Mbeumo this summer,” McGrath wrote, “but the Brentford forward is heading towards Manchester United in a deal worth more than £60 million.”
Howe has reportedly tracked Pedro’s development since the Brazilian moved from Fluminense to Watford in 2020. Now 23, Pedro is seen as a strong fit for Howe’s preferred system.
“Howe has been looking to add a wide forward who can cut inside with Pedro seen as the ideal candidate to support Alexander Isak at centre-forward while also being able to play through the middle himself,” McGrath wrote.
Pedro joined Brighton in a club-record £30 million deal from Watford and has posted back-to-back double-digit goal seasons. However, he was left out of the match-day squad late last season due to disciplinary reasons.
Despite that, Brighton expect Pedro to return to the squad but are now “braced for bids,” according to McGrath. The club is expected to demand upwards of £60 million for the forward, which might be too expensive for Newcastle, depending on who you believe when describing the Magpies’ transfer budget.
Newcastle used Jacob Murphy and Harvey Barnes on the flanks last season, but with a Champions League campaign ahead, Howe is looking to reinforce his attacking depth.
McGrath also noted that the club’s summer transfer business must operate within the shortened window caused by the upcoming Club World Cup.