'Real thing': Journalist believes Newcastle United's interest in £60m Premier League star is genuine with player keen to move

As Newcastle United and Burnley continue to talk over a deal for goalkeeper James Trafford, it seems the Magpies are also stepping up another gear in their pursuit of reinforcements at the other end of the pitch, too.

Not a day has gone by this past week without some reference to Newcastle and João Pedro having been made in the media, and the rumour is only gathering pace.

Brighton appears to be happy to sell the Brazilian forward this summer after having a falling out with defender Jan Paul van Hecke. The fallout was so severe that head coach Fabian Hurzeler kept Joao Pedro out of the squad for their final two games of the season.

Pedro had already missed the three games prior after being sent off against Brentford for throwing an elbow, so if Newcastle are to make their move this summer, Eddie Howe is going to have to do a bit of work on the striker's temperament first.

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João Pedro will play wide right to force a move to Newcastle

Transfer journalist Graeme Bailey has given an update on João Pedro's situation to The Boot Room, and he believes that the 23-year-old is willing to play out of position to secure a move to Tyneside.

“João Pedro to Newcastle is a real thing now.

“Pedro has had a massive fallout at Brighton, the club played it down but they are ready to let him go now. I say ‘let him go’, they are ready to sell him for a certain price.

“I think his price will be below £60m because of that falling out with Jan Paul van Hecke, who’s going to get a new deal — Pedro wants out now really.

“Pedro wants out at Brighton and I’m told that he’s informed Newcastle that he would be willing to play in a wide right role for them as well as up front.

“Let’s not forget Eddie Howe loves Pedro and Newcastle spent a long time trying to sign him from Watford when Brighton swooped in.

“Newcastle love the player and it ticks an awful lot of their boxes if they can bring someone in who is going to play on the right and also in the middle.”

João Pedro's willingness to play right wing could help Newcastle negotiate for Anthony Elanga

Now that João Pedro has indicated a willingness to play wide right, that will make him even more appealing to Eddie Howe.

We don't expect it will change things as far as pursuing a right-winger is concerned, should Newcastle secure a move for Pedro, but it will take the pressure off somewhat.

Indeed, it would take a bit of the desperation out of the equation, giving Newcastle a stronger bargaining position if we were to go for the likes of Anthony Elanga. Forest will think they have us over a barrel right now, knowing that Newcastle has only Jacob Murphy as an out-and-out right winger, but if we had Pedro too, we'd be much more comfortable walking away from talks if they start to play games.