Newcastle United target and Watford striker João Pedro may jump at the chance of a move back to the Premier League this summer.
That is according to journalist Pete O’Rourke, who was speaking to This is Futbol about the club’s potential transfer business, heading into the final few weeks of the transfer window.
According to The Shields Gazette Watford would want £35m to part ways with Pedro this summer, after turning down an initial £20m bid from Newcastle.
Eddie Howe has been well publicised to want another striker at his disposal at St. James’ Park this season, with the former Bournemouth manager having Callum Wilson and Chris Wood as his options for that centre-forward spot.
And O’Rourke believes that Pedro, who has previously been touted as having a “bright future” by Jobi McAnuff, would “jump at the chance” of a move back to English football’s top-flight with the Magpies.
“I think João Pedro would obviously jump at the chance of a move back to the Premier League with Newcastle and let’s see what happens with this one.
“But yeah, Newcastle have been linked with so many players this summer as well, so they’ll just be keen to get a forward in because it’s a key area that Eddie Howe wants to strengthen before the window closes.”
TIF Thoughts on O’Rourke’s comments
We believe that O’Rourke is correct and that the 20-year-old, who is said to be Antoine Griezmann, would be delighted at a potential move back to the Premier League this summer, especially after seeing his colleague Emmanuel Dennis make a move to Nottingham Forest last week.
The Brazilian striker got a small taste of Premier League football last season, scoring three goals and providing one assist in 28 top flight appearances according to Transfermarkt, suggesting that the young forward would still be finding his feet at the top-level.
Therefore, we believe that Newcastle would be a great place for Pedro to get used to Premier League football, as he may get a run in the team with Howe seemingly desperate for a new centre-forward.