Newcastle United tried and failed to sign Joao Pedro at the start of the season, and are continuing to monitor the Brazilian forward ahead of the summer.
Pedro looked like he was certain to join Newcastle last year, with Fabrizio Romano tweeting out his famous words ‘here we go‘.
However, the transfer expert got that one wrong as the Magpies turned to Alexander Isak and Pedro remained at Watford.
He signed a new deal with the Hornets, but rumours of a move to St James’ Park have continued. He is still being monitored by Toon officials, with AC Milan also interested.
It was reported last year that Pedro was keen on a move to Tyneside, and reporter Pete O’Rourke still believes that is the case.
Pete O’Rourke gives view on Joao Pedro to Newcastle rumours
O’Rourke has spoke to Give Me Sport about Newcastle’s interest in Pedro, and believes he would ‘jump’ at the chance to join Eddie Howe’s side.
“This is long-term interest from Newcastle for Joao Pedro,” he said.
“They tried to sign him last January, but weren’t able to get a deal over the line. They’ve continued to keep tabs on him.
“He’s obviously been in the Championship with Watford this season, so I’m sure the player would jump at the chance to move back to the Premier League as it doesn’t look like Watford are going to win promotion back to the top flight.
“As I said, the chance to go to Newcastle with potential Champions League football on offer – I’m sure this is something Joao Pedro would jump at.”
No promotion could help Eddie Howe and Dan Ashworth
As O’Rourke says, a move to Newcastle could be massively appealing for any player if we qualify for the Champions League. That is still a real possibility despite Saturday’s 3-0 defeat to Aston Villa.
And a move for Pedro could be even more appealing if Watford fail to achieve promotion back to the Premier League. Chris Wilder’s side are currently out of the playoffs, four points shy of the top six with four games to play.
Given his talents, the 21-year-old won’t be enthused about the prospect of another season in the Championship. So to swap that for Champions League football would be a no brainer.
Newcastle are set to be in the market for attacking reinforcements, and Pedro is clearly a player who club officials really like. That is evident by the fact they came agonizingly close to signing him last summer.
He can play through the middle or out wide which will appeal to Howe, and is a player who has a lot of potential. He has been trusted with the captain’s armband at times, and is enjoying a purple patch in front of goal. The youngster has four goal contributions in his last five games, taking his overall total to 15 goals and assists.
O’Rourke thinks he would fancy a move to Newcastle, so it is up to Howe to decide if he wants to add him to his squad ahead of next season.
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