Joao Pedro backed to complete Newcastle United switch after source’s bid update – pundit
Noel Whelan has backed Newcastle to seal the “exciting” signing of Joao Pedro as they prepare a new bid.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted the 20-year-old’s versatility will have been an “enticing prospect” for the Magpies’ talent-spotters.
Sources told this site on Wednesday (17 August) that Newcastle United are ready to submit a new bid for Pedro of £25million plus add-ons.
The north-east giants had submitted an opening £20million bid for the striker but Watford are holding out for a £30million windfall.
It is understood that Newcastle regard Pedro as a top talent with the potential to be a Premier League sensation.
The forward, who can play on the left and right flank as well as in an attacking midfield role, is under contract until June 2025,
He scored four goals in 29 games last term as the Hornets suffered relegation from the Premier League.
Whelan told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury: “He has really fantastic ability, from what I’ve seen watching Watford in the last couple of seasons.
“This was always going to happen – that front three was always going to be broken up. I’m sure clubs are looking at Ismalia Sarr as well.
“Joao Pedro is someone with fantastic potential, though, at just 20 years old. He’s exciting, he can affect a game, create, score goals.
“The fact that he can fill in across that front three just makes it a really enticing prospect for Eddie Howe.
“They don’t just target these players for the sake of it.
“Howe and his team are very intelligent. They’ve earmarked him as someone not only with potential – but someone who can add strength in depth and competition for places right now.”
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