“Close friend” of £60m target could help seal Newcastle move – Sky Sports

Separate offers for Anthony Elanga, James Trafford and Joao Pedro, collectively worth around £125m, seemed to mark the first time in years that we’ve been able to throw around some cash.

But so far, each bid looks like it has been rejected by Nottingham Forest, Burnley and Brighton respectively.

And in the case of the Seagulls, it’s looking like any pursuit for the Brazilian could be about to get more complicated, though one player could be key in making things a lot simpler for us.

According to Sky Sports, our £50m bid for Brighton’s Joao Pedro has been rejected, with Brighton seemingly holding out for £60m.

Although the player has expressed some interest in joining us following our long-term pursuit, Chelsea’s emerging interest is a concern, with Keith Downie revealing earlier today that the Blues are also in talks.

However, one interesting tidbit that Sky Sports pick up on his Pedro’s friendship with his compatriot, our current captain Bruno Guimaraes.

They state that the pair are “close friends”, suggesting that relationship and chance to join his fellow South American on Tyneside could be a factor if we can strike a deal with Brighton.

In a big World Cup year for Brazil, Pedro will be wanting to be right in contention for the no.9 spot ahead of the likes of Richarlison and Endrick, and a move to the North East could put him one step closer to realising that goal.

Bruno has become a Brazil regular since arriving at Newcastle and soon after he arrived, we saw Joelitnon improve so much that he broke into the national team under then-Brazil manager Tite.

The prospect of Carlo Ancelotti coming to watch our own Brazilians play at some point this season is certainly on the table, and Pedro could be afforded a brilliant opportunity to make his case for the Brazil squad by playing for us.

Away from matters on the pitch, Bruno, Joelinton and both of their families have always spoken so highly about life on Tyneside. Should Pedro have a decision to make between Newcastle and Chelsea, hopefully both of our Brazilians can get on the phone and sell the move; not just for football reasons but how much he can settle into the area alongside them.