Newcastle have turned their attentions to signing Chelsea transfer target Joao Pedro after missing out on Manchester United-bound Bryan Mbeumo.
Back in the Champions League after enjoying a strong end to their Premier League campaign, the Magpies are keen to bolster their squad, especially a forward line that remains heavily reliant on Alexander Isak.
Eddie Howe had initially targeted Brentford’s Cameroon international Mbeumo after he enjoyed a prolific campaign for the Bees.
The 25-year-old is, however, intent on a move to Old Trafford with Ruben Amorim ready to make him the second signing of United’s transfer window.
Not deterred, Newcastle have swiftly turned their attention to Pedro who appears destined to leave Brighton this summer.
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The former Watford forward was on Chelsea’s radar amid reports they were ready to table a £50million bid.
Reports in Brazil even suggested Enzo Maresca wanted Pedro in place before the start of the upcoming Club World Cup.
Chelsea now appear more focused on targeting Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike having confirmed the £30m arrival of Liam Delap earlier this week.
That would leave the way clear for Newcastle to agree a fee with Brighton for Pedro and are said to want to double their money having spent £30m on him in the summer of 2023.
Pedro has since reached double-figures for goals in his two seasons at the Amex Stadium, although was left out of the matchday squad at the end of the last campaign over a training ground clash.
‘We dealt with it internally and the matter is closed,’ said head coach Fabian Hurzeler.
‘There are principles that are non-negotiable and count for everyone – that everyone has to stick to – where we don’t make any compromises.’
Brighton have already signed 19-year-old forward Stefanos Tzimas from Nuremberg for £20.8m having announced the deal back in Februray.
The Greece Under-21 international has signed a contract until June 2030 but will remain in Germany with Nuremberg for the second half of the season.
‘Stefanos is an exceptional young talent, an out-and-out centre-forward with a natural ability to score goals,’ said Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler.
‘He will join up with us in the summer, ahead of next season.’