Newcastle United intensify the pursuit of Watford forward Joao Pedro

Newcastle United have made considerable progress in their pursuit of Watford forward Joao Pedro.

The Magpies have had two offers rebuffed for Joao Pedro last week, but further discussions are expected to take place in the next 24-48 hours with Eddie Howe hoping for a transfer breakthrough. Their latest offer for the Brazilian is around £30m with add-ons included, and while the Hornets are reluctant to lose the youngster in this transfer window, there is an understanding an agreement can be potentially reached.

Pedro joined Watford from Fluminense as a teenager in 2020 and has gone on to make close to 80 appearances, scoring 14 goals. The Brazilian scored just three goals in the Premier League last season as the Hornets suffered relegation back to the Championship. He himself wants the move to Newcastle after already seeing his ex-teammate Emmanuel Dennis join the newly-promoted Nottingham Forest.

Newcastle have made just three signings in the form of Matt Targett, Nick Pope and Sven Botman in this window, but there is an expectance of new bodies heading to St. James’ Park before the end of the month’s transfer deadline.

Eddie Howe will be keen to see Pedro boost a Newcastle squad that has started the new season impressively, winning one and drawing two. The Toon Army held reigning champions Manchester City to a 3-3 draw at St James’ Park last weekend, which saw them climb up to sixth on the table.

Joao Pedro is tipped for a big future

New signings such as Nick Pope and Sven Botman have settled well into Eddie Howe’s side, becoming crucial members within a short while. What has impressed most is the pace and flair with which Newcastle United have played in the first three games, with Allan Saint-Maximin, Callum Wilson, Miguel Almiron and Joelinton linking extremely well in the final third.

With just more than a week left for the transfer window to slam shut, Howe is pushing for new signings to beef up his squad for the relentless campaign ahead. He seemingly wants to add competition and depth to his attacking ranks. It wouldn’t be a bad idea for the Magpies to bring in fresh faces with one eye on the future, meaning the club’s interest in Joao Pedro certainly makes sense.

Pedro is already off the mark for this Championship season, and has had a taste of Premier League football already. Despite his age, he has the quality to challenge for an immediate first-team role at Newcastle. There are obvious chances that the Brazilian prodigy could evolve into a key player for the Geordies in the coming seasons if a move materialises.

Suffice to say, Pedro still has plenty of time to develop as a player at 20, both technically and tactically. So, an investment for Watford forward’s services would certainly hand a boost to Howe’s long-term plans moving forward at Newcastle.