'Upset' - Striker has already addressed Newcastle United transfer after £30m & six-year contract agreement

Brighton and Hove Albion striker Joao Pedro once claimed he was “upset” about missing out on a move to Newcastle United.

The Magpies are again showing interest in the Brazilian, three years on from their first pursuit when he was a Watford player. Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano claimed a deal worth £30million was in place and that Pedro had agreed terms over a contract until 2028.

However, a transfer did not materialise and Pedro stayed at Vicarage Road until the following summer when he joined Brighton for £30million. In two seasons on the South Coast, he has scored 30 goals in 70 appearances.

Joao Pedro reflects on failed Newcastle United move

With Callum Wilson set to leave Newcastle when his contract expires on June 30 and Will Osula still raw, head coach Eddie Howe is hoping to sign cover for main striker Alexander Isak. And Sky Sports News claims Pedro is again of interest.

Reflecting on the Magpies’ previous efforts to sign him, Pedro said: “I had this negotiation with Newcastle, until months ago I was upset about not leaving. However, I said ‘now is my moment at Watford, I have to make it happen, since it didn’t happen, this time it will happen.’

“I made it happen last season and I think it was the best way for Brighton, it’s a club that gives opportunities to young people, it believes in us. I made the right choice, I’m very happy here.”

Sky Sports News: Newcastle United interested in Joao Pedro

While Pedro was keen on a move to St James’ Park back then, he may not share the same feeling now. Sky adds that Pedro would only consider a move if he was first-choice striker.

And on Tyneside, that is far from a given. Isak, signed ahead of Pedro, has proven to be a sensational signing for Eddie Howe’s side with his 62 goals in 109 appearances ranking him among the best strikers in Europe.

Another stumbling block is likely to be the transfer fee with The Sun claiming the Seagulls value Pedro at £70m. While United are understood to be in a strong financial position heading into the summer, there are other positions, i.e right forward and centre-back, that should take priority over a back-up striker.

Alexander Isak’s future at Newcastle United

And there is little chance of Isak leaving Newcastle this summer. It has been suggested the Swede is valued at £150m, however reported by Mail Online in March, the club’s chairman and PIF governor Yasir Al-Rumayyan has told the club’s hierarchy to “resist any offers for his favourite player”.

Head coach Eddie Howe also sits on the same page with zero plans to lose last season’s top goalscorer. “He's not for sale from my perspective,” he said. “I want to build a squad, I want the strongest squad possible for next season. There's a lot to look forward to here, hopefully.

“We want to keep our best players. I think I’ve made that very clear. That’s not just the wish from me, that’s the wish from everyone at the club. I don’t have a crystal ball. I can’t sit here and say what’s going to happen.

“I can only say what my determination is and it is to build a team, the best team possible and to do that you can’t consistently lose your best players.”

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