Newcastle eyeing 'unbelievable' forward who's been compared to Gabriel Jesus

Newcastle United have reportedly stepped up their efforts to bring Joao Pedro to St James’ Park.

The Daily Mail has claimed that the Magpies saw a £20million bid for the Brazilian rejected by Watford.

But now, Newcastle will apparently return with a second offer for Pedro.

The report cites sources saying the bid is still expected to be ‘way short’ of the Hornets’ £35million valuation.

Nonetheless, there is confidence that Newcastle and Watford can agree a compromise.

As well as Eddie Howe’s side, Leeds United are apparently eyeing Pedro.

The Newcastle boss has reportedly identified the 20-year-old as a ‘player of significant potential’.

Crucially, Pedro can play out wide or as a central striker, two positions Newcastle need to fill.

“The heart of a player”

Newcastle would be getting a top talent in Pedro, a player with a high ceiling and experience in the English game.

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

The Brazilian has 14 goals and five assists for the Hornets, and netted the winner in their season opener against Sheffield United.

The Telegraph recently published a feature article on Pedro.

They also spoke to Roy Hodgson and Eduardo Oliviera – Pedro’s former youth coach at Fluminense – about him.

The article described Pedro as a versatile forward, able to play anywhere across the front line.

“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.

If Newcastle can get a deal for Pedro over the line, they’d be getting themselves a future star, no doubt.