Newcastle United set to reignite interest in Brazilian star after failed summer move

Watford star Joao Pedro is reportedly the subject of ‘concrete interest’ from Newcastle United - just months after coming close to securing a move to St James Park.

The Magpies were said to have made several bids for the 21-year-old forward during the summer transfer window as they looked to strengthen Eddie Howe’s options at the top end of the pitch. Negotiations looked to be progressing towards a successful conclusion and there were reports that Newcastle were confident a deal was imminent at one point.

However, the deal failed to be completed and the Magpies turned their attention to what became a club record move for Real Sociedad and Sweden forward Alexander Isak. Pedro remained at Vicarage Road and has gone on to score six goals and provide two assists in 17 appearances for the Hornets after penning a new deal in the early weeks of the Championship season.

After committing to the club until the summer of 2028, Pedro said: “I feel part of a family,” he said. “Every single person at the training ground has shown me a lot of care and affection, and I believe that isn’t just for what I do on the pitch but also for the kind of person I am. I also think I have a relationship with our fans. I hear the songs with my name when I am on the pitch and I do my best to give back the love they give to me. When I am out on the pitch I am trying to repay the good feelings they give me. I hear the songs, I feel the love and I truly appreciate it.”

Despite seeing one of their key summer transfer targets sign a new deal, Football Insider have suggested Newcastle will make another bid for Pedro during the January transfer window and have been ‘closely monitoring’ the forward during the first part of the season.