National reports indicated last week that Pedro would be keen on a move to Newcastle, who previously tried to sign the Brazilian in 2022 when he was at Watford, before they instead completed the capture of Alexander Isak in a club record deal.
But there was a twist over the weekend when Pedro’s Brighton teammate and fellow Brazilian Igor Julio told the media in his homeland that the versatile attacker would favour a move to London this summer.
It comes amid reported interest from Arsenal and Chelsea, with Pedro having already told Brighton he wants a move this summer, according to Igor.
Brighton will reportedly ask for a fee in the region of £60m for the 23-year-old, who ticks a lot of Newcastle boxes. Eddie Howe has long admired the forward, who is comfortable playing as a central striker or on either flank.
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“Joao Pedro had already told Brighton some time ago that his desire was to leave, look for new things and take the next step,” Igor 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 them via a video call.
“I’m very happy for him. He deserved it. He’s been here in England for five years and he hasn’t played for a big team yet. It’s his moment, his time, so he can make the best decision and be happy wherever he goes
“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.”
Newcastle remain interested in Nottingham Forest’s Anthony Elanga but haven’t yet made a bid for the winger. Strengthening at central defence is another priority, with Newcastle having identified targets abroad as well as continuing to monitor Marc Guehi’s situation at Crystal Palace.
In attack, Bryan Mbeumo was a target at the start of the summer but the Brentford forward made it known he would prioritise a move to Manchester United.
However, Tottenham are now set to rival United for Mbeumo after the appointment of Thomas Frank.
Spurs announced former Brentford boss Frank as their new head coach last Thursday night on a three-year deal.
One of Frank’s first moves in charge could be to try and tempt Mbeumo to follow him across London.
United had already registered an interest in Mbeumo, who scored 20 goals for Brentford last season but is about to enter the final year of his contract.
Brentford have the option of a further 12 months and reportedly want a figure in the region of the £62.5million that United spent to sign Matheus Cunha from Wolves.
