Joao Pedro 'does not favour' Newcastle United move as bombshell confession made public
Newcastle United have been dealt a hammer blow in their pursuit of Brighton forward Joao Pedro.
Brighton defender Igor Julio has revealed Joao Pedro wants to move to London in news that will frustrate Newcastle United.
Various sources have suggested the Brazilian is one of Newcastle’s top targets this summer. Rewind three years ago and the Magpies came close to signing Pedro following Watford’s relegation.
A deal ultimately broke down as Newcastle changed tack and launched a bid for club-record talisman Alexander Isak. Toon chiefs are willing to reignite their attempt, with the 23-year-old now an established Premier League player.
Brighton want £70m
Brighton are understood to be demanding as high as £70million for a forward with just 10 goals across all competitions last season. His versatility, however, is viewed as an asset - especially with Newcastle preparing for a Champions League campaign.
The Seagulls are known to drive a hard bargain given sales in recent years to Moises Caicedo and Marc Cucurella. But that does not suit the more measured approach Newcastle’s owners have taken since the Saudi-backed takeover.
Joao Pedro wants London switch
United have also been dealt a major blow as Brighton defender Julio - one of Pedro’s closest associates and fellow Brazilian - believes he should join Liverpool. The 27-year-old also claims Pedro wants a London move, with Chelsea reportedly expressing interest.
“Joao Pedro had already told Brighton some time ago that his desire was to leave, look for new things and take the next step,” he told Trivela. “It seems it will be difficult and complicated for him to stay here, we have to be honest, the club already knows that he said in contact with the report via video call.
“I told him that he has to think about what he wants from his career. In my opinion, if I were going to a Big Six team, I would go to a team that competes in the Premier League, plays in the Champions League and is always in a position to win.
“I would go to a Liverpool team and I think he would fit in perfectly at Liverpool. It's because I've always dreamed of playing for Liverpool and I would go there. He always told me that he really wants to live in London, so I think he will prioritise what comes from there first.”
A penny for Eddie Howe’s thoughts
Eddie Howe is unlikely to be happy with Newcastle’s lack of activity so far. The Too boss urged for a direct approach following the final game of the campaign.
“Speed is key for us,” Howe said about his aim for the transfer market. “I’ve reiterated that many times internally because we have to be dynamic. We have to be ready to complete things very quickly because good players don’t hang around for long.”