Newcastle United are eyeing Joao Pedro in the final weeks of this summer – and could potentially make a move for teammate Ismaila Sarr, too.
This has been suggested by insider Graeme Bailey, who has been providing his insight on Dan Ashworth’s plans on the latest episode of the Talking Transfers podcast.
Reports have suggested the Toon are very keen to bring Brazilian forward Pedro to Tyneside having already placed a bid in the region of £20m for the 20-year-old.
And while they also look to add a winger, Bailey believes Sarr could also be an option for the Magpies, with the Senegalese ace also being linked with a move away.
With Pedro potentially being available for around £30m, a move for Sarr – who was linked with the Toon earlier this summer – could also be something which may develop.
Bailey said: “He [Joao Pedro] would be a nice backup to Callum Wilson. Can play out wide as well. I think Newcastle are just testing the water.
“Obviously, Emmanuel Dennis has gone, we’d imagine Ismaila Sarr will follow suit as well – who arguably would be a better signing for Newcastle, personally. But who knows, it might happen as well.
“They tried for [Pedro] at £20m/£25m. I don’t think that Watford are going to let him go. They don’t need the money, but we’ll see how that one progresses.”
TIF Thoughts on Bailey’s comments…
Pedro has certainly been an exciting prospect for Watford, with his best season coming in the Championship during the 2020/21 campaign where he scored nine times.
Would you play Joao Pedro over Chris Wood?
Yes
No
However, he did struggle last season when Watford returned to the Premier League with a return of just three goals in 28 appearances.
And with this in mind, we wonder if Eddie Howe would be able to put his trust in Pedro over Chris Wood if Callum Wilson was to sustain another injury.
However, potentially adding Sarr at right-wing could be an interesting option given he is a player who has shown greater goalscoring prowess than Pedro from the wide position.