Newcastle are set to step up their pursuit of Joao Pedro having identified him as an ideal attacking option, talkSPORT understands.
This comes as the Magpies appear to have missed out on landing their main target Bryan Mbeumo, with the Brentford star closing in on a move to Manchester United.
Pedro enjoyed his best goalscoring season in the Premier League last termGettytalkSPORT understands the Red Devils are primed to table an improved £60million offer for Mbeumo, who has already given his approval for the summer switch.
This has left the Geordies looking elsewhere to bolster their front line, with Brighton star Pedro believed to seen as just as favourable.
talkSPORT understands Magpies manager Eddie Howe is a long-term admirer of the Brazilian, having been tracking his progress since he joined Watford from Brazilian club Fluminense in 2020.
His technical ability, speed and strength are qualities which have led to him being considered by Newcastle in the past.
Howe has been keen to sign another wide forward who is capable of cutting inside, with Pedro seen as a player who can support star centre-forward Alexander Isak in attack.
The 23-year-old is also able to play through the middle himself, further making him a desirable option.
Having joined the Seagulls for a then club-record £30million fee in 2023, it is thought that they will demand in excess of £60million for Pedro.
It was previously reported that both Newcastle and Liverpool were interested in the forward, who has established himself as Brighton’s main goalscoring outlet in the last two years.
Pedro has reached double-figures for goals in his two seasons at the Amex Stadium, including ten in the Premier League last term.
However, disciplinary issues prevented him from adding to this figure as he was dropped for his side’s final two games of the season after a training ground row with teammate Jan Paul Van Hecke.
Mbeumo netted 20 Premier League goals last season, and appears set to chose Man United over NewcastleGetty GettyPedro has now spent six seasons in English football with Brighton and Watford[/caption]However, this is not believed to have affected Pedro’s future at the club, with sources telling talKSPORT the incident was not being viewed internally as an attempt to force a move.
But with Brighton now expecting bids for their star man, who would provide another right-wing option should he head to St James’ Park.
Last season, both Jacob Murphy and Harvey Barnes were deployed on the left flank, with the former also playing as a wing-back on occasion.
Murphy notched eight Premier League goals in 33 games, while Barnes managed nine in 33 appearances.
But with Newcastle returning to the Champions League next season, Howe is expected to bolster his squad over the summer, and Pedro has earned rave reviews during his time in English football.
Prior to joining the Seagulls two years ago, the attacker spent three years at Watford, during which time he made 109 appearances and scored 24 goals, as his side bounced between the top-flight and the Championship.
GettyEddie Howe is keen to add to his attacking options as he prepares for a second Champions League campaign with Newcastle[/caption]And his former Hornets captain Troy Deeney admitted his huge talent shone through during this period.
Speaking on talkSPORT in September 2024, the club icon said of Pedro: “He’s destined to go to the very, very top.
“I think he’s got a level of ability that he can play anywhere across the top three lines. Then he could probably, as time goes on, drop into a ten or certainly drop into an eight. He’s just that good.
“You know when someone’s good but you can’t tell you what their best position is. He’s just good. You just know you’ve got to play him.”
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