Newcastle United could yet to return with an offer for Watford striker Joao Pedro, despite the recent capture of Alexander Isak.
What’s the word?
That’s according to Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth – via Sky Sports’ Transfer Centre – who revealed that another move for the Brazilian starlet has “not been ruled out”, having previously seen a second bid of around £25m rejected earlier this month.
The transfer insider stated: “The Isak deal came out of the blue a little bit, and up to that point Newcastle were in discussions with Watford about Joao Pedro.
“Since Isak has signed, the big question has been whether anyone else will come in. Eddie Howe certainly hopes so. I’m told it’s gone quiet with Joao Pedro, but also that it’s not been ruled out. Newcastle’s bid was worth £30m, with £25m guaranteed. It was the structure of the add-ons which was still under discussion.
“Now Isak is in, I wonder if Newcastle go back and try to sort out those add-ons? Yes, they do want to bring in players – let’s see if one will be Joao Pedro.”
Pedro would be “incredible” under Howe
While it remains to be seen whether Newcastle will return with an improved bid for the 20-year-old before the transfer window closes, supporters will no doubt be excited at the suggestion that PIF could well still be eyeing another high-profile addition following the club-record addition of Isak.
In what looks set to be a “frantic” next few days for the Magpies before the Thursday night deadline, in the words of Sheth’s Sky colleague Keith Downie, Toon manager Eddie Howe could see his squad bolstered even further, having already wrapped up four major deals so far this summer.
Adding the “incredible” talent that is Pedro – as described by Watford manager Rob Edwards – into the mix would further improve the Magpies’ firepower, with the youngster having proven a hugely menacing attacking threat during his time at Vicarage Road.
The £12.6m-rated marksman – who was signed from Fluminese in 2019 – has recorded a respectable tally of 15 goals and six assists in 79 appearances for his current club, scoring three goals in the Premier League last season.
Although not prolific, the highly-rated prospect can provide that killer touch when required, while his ability to feature all across the front line could be hugely beneficial amid the dearth of quality wide options in Howe’s ranks.
The £12.5k-per-week gem has also started the new season in fine fashion, having nine goals in his last Championship campaign in 2020/21.
A player that Howe can well nurture and develop over the coming years, the “intelligent” gem – as dubbed by his former boss Claudio Ranieri – could well be an asset who can go on to light up St James’ Park in the years to come, with his obvious talent indicating that he could well be ‘incredible’ for the Tynesiders if they can sign him over the coming week.