Newcastle United are hoping to make a breakthrough in their talks with Watford to sign 20-year-old Brazilian forward Joao Pedro this week.
According to i News, Newcastle United continue to be optimistic about securing the services of Watford attacker Joao Pedro before the closure of the summer transfer window, with Eddie Howe hoping for a transfer breakthrough this week.
The summer transfer window has been very frustrating for Newcastle United, with Sven Botman, Matt Targett, and Nick Pope the only senior arrivals heading into the final week. Eddie Howe wants to make two permanent additions before the end of the summer, and 20-year-old Watford striker Joao Pedro is a prime target.
Signing a new striker has been at the top of the list for the Magpies throughout the summer, and they have been linked with a host of players. However, they have not been able to sign any of their touted targets yet. After missing out on Hugo Ekitike, it looks like Newcastle have found their man in Pedro, but they will need to put more effort into it, with multiple bids rejected so far.
Newcastle’s opening bid for the Brazilian attacker was reported to be around £20 million. Reputed Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano then revealed just a few days ago that the Magpies’ improved bid of £22 million plus £3 million add-ons had been rejected by Watford.
New direct contacts will take place next week to decide on João Pedro deal after Newcastle’s final bid submitted on Saturday night. ⤵️?? #NUFC https://t.co/DefopzGzFf
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 21, 2022
However, it seems Newcastle have now launched a final verbal offer worth £30 million in total, which is believed to be much closer to Watford’s asking price. Romano reports that the final decision will now rest with the Pozzo family. So it will be interesting to see how the decision makers at Vicarage Road respond this time around, with Newcastle chiefs eagerly waiting.
The Brazilian, who still has three years left on his deal with the Hornets, is understood to be one of the most important players in their squad. And Watford are digging their heels in to keep Pedro around for the ongoing season in the second-tier to boost their chances of an instant promotion to the top-flight.
But, if an offer worth their valuation arrives for the 20-year-old, there is a chance Watford will let him go back to the Premier League. Pedro is also understood to be pushing for a move away from the Hertfordshire outfit.
With Emmanuel Dennis joining Nottingham Forest earlier in the window and Ismaila Sarr closing in on a move to Aston Villa, it remains to be seen whether Watford will let go of another key player in Pedro in the same transfer window.
