Newcastle United did not revive their bid to sign Joao Pedro from Watford ahead of the summer window - because Eddie Howe has moved on to other targets.
Chronicle Live has learned that Newcastle were aware of Pedro's desire to leave Vicarage Road, but the club's rapid rise up the Premier League has resulted in a change of direction with some potential deals. United will now turn their attention to other targets this summer after Brighton & Hove Albion signed Pedro from Watford last night.
A source close to the deal told us that Newcastle were not involved in any discussions this time around on Pedro. Newcastle are also much more relaxed when it comes to forwards with £63million Alexander Isak now settled on Tyneside and Callum Wilson in fine form.
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The Brazilian youngster was the subject of a £30million bid last summer but the Hornets resisted any offers last summer and handed him a new contract. Newcastle are keen to sign another forward this summer.
After Watford failed to win promotion, Brighton moved quickly to secure an early summer deal. Interestingly, Watford have signed Pedro for just under the £30m price tag that Newcastle had rejected last August.
Brighton technical director David Weir said: "Joao has been a long-term target of ours, and he has also attracted a lot of interest from across Europe.
"So, we are delighted to have reached an agreement with a key target for the club ahead of the summer window opening, and it is great for Joao that he can focus on the new season, with his immediate future settled.
"He's a brilliant young talent, technically very good, quick and with an eye for goal. He will complement our existing forward line very well.
"He also has settled well here, with good experience of both the Premier League and Championship and more than 100 games for Watford.
"We are really looking forward to starting work with him in pre-season, here in the UK and when we travel to the United States for the Premier League Summer Series."
Pedro - who signed a five-year deal with Brighton - has scored 11 goals this season for Watford in the Championship. He could face Newcastle in their clash against the Seagulls in New Jersey this summer.
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