Newcastle United have renewed their interest in Brighton forward Joao Pedro.
Joao Pedro is reportedly pushing to leave Brighton this summer as Newcastle United reignite their interest.
Toon chiefs targeted the forward early into the Saudi-backed era when he played for Watford. The move broke down and Newcastle ultimately moved for club-record signing Alexander Isak.
Brighton signed Pedro a year later and he has become an established Premier League star. The 23-year-old - capable of playing several positions across the frontline - scored 10 goals across all competitions last season.
Newcastle have been quiet in the early throes on the window but could be about to spring into the market. The Daily Mail claim the Magpies have made an enquiry for Pedro, with Chelsea also interested.
Joao Pedro ‘expected to move’
Brighton are understood to value the player at £70million - a figure that would shatter Newcastle’s transfer record. Signing Pedro could signal a possible formation change for Eddie Howe given his versatility to operate centrally or out wide.
Italian sports journalist Fabrizio Romano is reporting that the Brighton talisman will leave. He posted on social media: “Joao Pedro, expected to leave Brighton with movements taking place.
“Understand Pedro can leave Brighton in the summer as he’s open to a new chapter of his career. Premier League top clubs are aware of the opportunity for a potential transfer fee around €70million, but the final decision is up to Brighton. One to watch this summer.”
Joao Pedro bust-up at Brighton
Seagulls boss Fabian Hurzeler opened up about a training ground bust-up that saw him miss the final day of the campaign. He told reporters: “Joao (Pedro) won’t be in the squad (at Tottenham). We had a small issue in training – a type which isn’t uncommon from time to time in all football clubs.
“We dealt with it internally and the matter is closed. Joao is an incredible football player. He’s a match-winner of us. He’s a great player. That’s why we invested in him. But there are principles, they are non-negotiables, and everyone has to abide by them. Everyone has to stick to them, and I don’t make any compromises.”
Bruno Guimaraes welcomes Brazilian
Newcastle already boast a strong Brazilian contingent with Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton. Guimaraes has spoken openly about Newcastle’s need for fresh faces.
“We have been improving a lot, but I think we are not at the level that I want,” he told Sky Sports last month. “I think for next season, we’re going to need more players to be honest with you, because I think this squad is a little bit short. We have seen last season when we played Champions League, we lost some players to injury and it was messy for us, so I think we can improve the level of our squad.”
Continue Reading