Brazilian star 'opens the door' on transfer as newcastle linked with fresh bid

NEWCASTLE UNITED TRANSFER LATEST AS STRIKER HUNT STEPS UP 04:57, 22 May 2025 Newcastle United have been linked with a potential move for former target Joao Pedro - but a sky high asking

price is likely to curtail any interest in the Brighton forward. The Magpies remain in the hunt for a new striker, with back-up for Alexander Isak a necessity this summer. The Swedish star

remains touch and go for this weekend's crucial final game of the season against Everton. With Callum Wilson still working his way back to top fitness, it remains to be seen whether the

33-year-old will get a new contract offer when his deal runs out at the end of the season. Even if he does, Newcastle are expected to still bring in a younger forward who can challenge

Isak. Back in 2022, before signing Isak for a club record fee of £63million, Newcastle looked set to land Watford forward Joao Pedro. The Brazilian had agreed terms and was in the process of

undergoing a medical before the plug was pulled on a £25m transfer as they plumped for Isak instead. The mobile and agile forward ended up moving to Brighton a year later for £30m, and has

scored 30 goals for the Seagulls since. However, he is understood to be keen on a move away from the Amex this summer and Eddie Howe remains a fan. Article continues below Writing in Give Me

Sport, transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano claims Newcastle, Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea are all monitoring the player, whose representatives are making enquiries around top European

teams. Romano said: "Joao has opened the doors to a move and the football industry has received a clear message about it in recent days. It is one to watch with a big impact offering

one more chance in terms of strikers to several clubs. "Newcastle were already on the verge of signing Joao Pedro a few years ago - now they could be among the clubs interested in the

Brazilian." Article continues below However, a transfer fee of £60m has been mooted which would appear to rule Newcastle out even if they were interested in revisiting a deal for the

25-year-old. The Magpies have a strong budget to spend on four new players before the window closes, but punting £60m on a player likely to be back-up to Isak is unlikely. Newcastle remain

interested in Liam Delap, who is available from Ipswich Town after their relegation. The Englishman has a £30m release clause in his contract and Newcastle will look to hold face-to-face

talks with the player next week.