Newcastle reportedly pushing to sign ‘incredible’ forward likened to Firmino, fans should be excited – TBR View

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Newcastle United have been heavily linked with Watford’s Joao Pedro in recent days.

And on Thursday, speculation about the Magpies’ pursuit of the 20-year-old intensified.

Earlier this week, the Daily Mail claimed Newcastle saw a £20million bid for Pedro rejected by the Hornets.

But the Magpies were expected to come back again for the Brazilian, something they’ve now (reportedly) done.

On Thursday afternoon, Fabrizio Romano claimed that Newcastle have indeed submitted a new bid.

The Magpies have reportedly offered £22million plus £3million in add-ons.

Watford reportedly want £30million in total for Pedro, and they don’t seem willing to compromise too much.

Indeed, Romano issued a follow-up update, saying Watford have rejected Newcastle’s second bid.

But he stressed that “it’s not over yet”, and “Newcastle will try to push again”.

Newcastle fans should be excited about the current state of play regarding their club and Pedro.

The Magpies are pushing to get the deal over the line, which suggests Eddie Howe rates him highly.

And the player himself is reportedly eager for the move, so personal terms shouldn’t prove too difficult.

And Newcastle would be getting themselves a top talent who appears to have a big future in the game.

Pedro joined Watford from Fluminense in 2019 and has made 78 appearances, including 31 in the Premier League.

He has 14 goals and five assists for the Hornets, and has contributed to their bright start this season.

Rob Edwards described his performance in their season-opener against Sheffield United as “incredible“.

Admittedly, Pedro hasn’t been particularly prolific for Watford.

However, he is still young, is getting better with each passing season, and his ceiling is very high.

“He’s got all the things you are looking for in a forward”

Earlier this month, The Telegraph published an in-depth feature article about Pedro.

“No one is talking about Joao Pedro,” began the piece.

“And, for now at least, everyone at Watford wants to keep it that way.”

Obviously that’s no longer the case, particularly with Newcastle fans amid the speculation.

But what Roy Hodgson and Eduardo Oliviera – Pedro’s former youth coach at Fluminense – said about Pedro suggests he is a star in the making.

“He’s best centrally in a trident with two forwards prepared to make runs behind defenders,” Hodgson said.

“Then he can drop and be a deep-lying target player.

“He’s got all the things you are looking for in a forward.

“He is very skillful; he’s got a very good technique; he’s got good pace; and is able to run past people with the ball.”

Oliveira added: “Give him freedom to float.

“He wants to be part of the game every time. He’s not only good in the box, he’s good at building the game.

“He has the most important thing: the heart of a player. His focus is unbelievable.

“You talk to him pre-game and his eyes dilate. He wants to compete.”

On Twitter, fans have compared Pedro’s style of play to Richarlison, Gabriel Jesus and Roberto Firmino.

He may not have an astounding track record, but Pedro certainly looks like he can grow to become a star on Tyneside.