Newcastle ‘Step Up’ Move to Sign ‘Absolute Superstar’ Instead of Mbeumo

Newcastle United are stepping up their interest in Brighton star Joao Pedro as an alternative to Bryan Mbeumo, according to The Telegraph.

The Magpies are looking to bolster their attacking options this summer after qualifying for the Champions League for next season, while also ending their 70-year trophy drought by winning the Carabao Cup.

Manager Eddie Howe wants to add a new right-winger to the squad, with Brentford star Mbeumo previously seen as a leading target. But the Cameroon star has picked a move to Manchester United instead, leaving Newcastle searching for alternatives.

Newcastle Step Up Interest in Pedro

Brighton to ask for more than £60m

Described as ‘an absolute superstar’, the Brazilian forward has been a regular for the Seagulls since making a then-club-record £30m move from Watford two seasons ago.

But the 23-year-old was left out of the final two matchday squads of the season following a training ground bust-up with defender Jan Paul Van Hecke, and now an exit away from the Amex Stadium could be on the cards.

Newcastle are ready to step up their interest in the Brazilian forward as a result, as Howe looks to add more firepower to his squad ahead of a second Champions League campaign in three seasons.

It’s believed that Newcastle chiefs feel that Pedro has the quality and ability to play across the forward line and help Alexander Isak through the centre of the pitch too. Brighton are expected to demand in excess of £60m to let him leave, which would potentially represent a club-record deal for the Magpies.