Newcastle to step up £60m Joao Pedro chase! Magpies encouraged to launch offer for Brighton striker but face Chelsea competition

Per the Telegraph, Newcastle are being encouraged to intensify their efforts to sign Joao Pedro from Brighton in what could be a £60 million ($81m) deal, after he communicated a willingness to move to St James' Park. The striker has long been a target of Eddie Howe, who wanted to sign him in 2022, as he is seen as a versatile forward option who can contribute in multiple positions.

The Brazil international scored 10 goals in 27 Premier League games for Brighton in 2024/25 and is capable of playing on the left, as a 10, and as a central striker. Brighton have signed exciting young Greek striker Charalampos Kostoulas this summer in a £34m ($46m) transfer, which may open the door for the Seagulls to move Joao Pedro on.

Chelsea are also reported to have scouted the Seagulls star, but the Blues have already signed Liam Delap this summer, and it is unclear if he would prefer a move to St James' Park or Stamford Bridge. He will be behind Alexander Isak in the pecking order at Newcastle, but Howe may opt to play the pair together.

Newcastle are also reported to be interested in signing a winger, with interest in Nottingham Forest's Anthony Elanga, and have scouted Sporting CP defender Ousmane Diomande as Howe bids to build a squad that can compete in the Premier League and the Champions League once again in 2025/26.