MusaNewcastle United could face another transfer setback after being told Joao Pedro doesn’t favour a move to the club.
Pedro has emerged as Newcastle United’s No 1 target as they look to strengthen their forward line, having already missed out on Liam Delap and Bryan Mbeumo.
The Brighton forward is highly regarded by Eddie Howe, who almost brought him to Tyneside three years ago. A deal was agreed to sign Pedro from Watford, only for Newcastle to do a U-turn and swoop for Alexander Isak instead.
Pedro was left ‘upset’ by the collapse of the move, but finally got his Premier League switch a year later when Brighton paid Watford £30million for his services.
The 23-year-old has been a hit on the south coast and with Newcastle looking to add another forward to their ranks ahead of a Champions League campaign, and with Isak needing competition and support, the Brazilian has emerged as the first choice.
One sticking point could be the reported £60m that Brighton want for the versatile forward, who can play across the frontline, but another – even bigger – stumbling block has emerged after one of his Seagulls teammates revealed the player wants to move to London.
Fellow Brazilian Igor Julio, who plays with Pedro at Brighton, has spoken out about his close friend and teammate and revealed Pedro has told the club he wishes to leave the Amex Stadium this summer.
“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 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.”
Chelsea and Arsenal are two London clubs who have been linked with Pedro. Both teams are on the lookout for another striker this summer, despite Chelsea pipping Newcastle to Delap.
Igor’s claim comes amid reports that Newcastle are set to step up their interest in the player over the coming days, having been given an indication that he would be interested in a move to Tyneside.
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