Brighton agree £34m deal & arrange medical as Newcastle United make Joao Pedro contact

Brighton and Hove Albion are on the verge of signing a new striker amid Newcastle United’s interest in Joao Pedro.

Newcastle almost signed Pedro from Watford three years ago. Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano claimed a £30million deal was in place and that personal terms had been agreed over a contract until 2028.

However, a transfer did not materialise. The Magpies instead brought in Alexander Isak for a club-record £63million while Pedro remained at Vicarage Road before moving to Brighton for £30m the following summer.

The Brazilian has scored a respectable 30 goals in 70 appearances in two seasons at Brighton. However, Newcastle haven’t felt any regrets with Isak establishing himself as one of the best strikers in Europe with 62 goals in 109 appearances.

Joao Pedro comments on failed Newcastle United move

Addressing his failed switch to St James’ Park, Pedro said previously: “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.”

Newcastle United contact Brighton over Joao Pedro

After seeing Liam Delap join Chelsea and Brentford star Bryan Mbeumo favour a move to Manchester United, Newcastle are exploring other attacking options ahead of a return to the Champions League next season.

With striker Callum Wilson set to leave at the end of his contract on June 30 and Jacob Murphy the team’s only recognised right forward after Miguel Almiron’s exit in January, head coach Eddie Howe wants to add depth in both positions.

Newcastle, as per the Daily Mail, have officially enquired about Pedro and the Seagulls are expected to demand a hefty fee, with multiple reports suggesting a figure upwards of £60m.

Brighton agree deal for potential Joao Pedro replacement

While speculation surrounds Pedro’s future, journalist Ben Jacobs has revealed Brighton have agreed a £34m deal to sign Olympiacos’ 18-year-old striker Charalampos Kostoulas, with his medical scheduled to take place on Wednesday.

That could indicate that Fabian Hurzeler’s side are preparing for life without Pedro, or at least suggest they are open to his exit. The 23-year-old ended last season on a sour note having been left out of the matchday squad for the final two matches following a rumoured training ground bust-up with teammate Jean Paul van Hecke.

To be fair, the Seagulls are already packed with forwards. They have Danny Welbeck and Georginio Rutter from last term, while Evan Ferguson has returned from his loan spell at West Ham United.

Meanwhile, Greek striker Stefanos Tzimas is expected to link up with Hurzeler’s squad. The 19-year-old joined Brighton for £20m from Nurnberg in January but stayed with the Germain second-tier outfit for the remainder of the campaign.

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