Craig Hope - players.bio

Newcastle United are ‘weighing up’ whether to make another approach for Watford striker Joao Pedro, according to talkSPORT reporter Alex Crook.

The Magpies are now focussing their attention and remaining resources on improving their attack after bringing in goalkeeper Nick Pope and defenders Sven Botman and Matt Targett earlier in the window.

Football Insider have reported that Newcastle launched an initial £20 million bid for Pedro as they continue to search for cover and competition in the final third of the pitch.

Eddie Howe’s charges eventually lost out to Paris Saint-Germain in the race for Hugo Ekitike’s signature and have been credited with an interest in a handful of forwards since.

And the Daily Mail’s North-East football correspondent Craig Hope has provided an update on Pedro’s situation, largely backing up what Crook has already told GiveMeSport.

Hope states that Newcastle are set to return with an ‘improved offer’ for the 20-year-old, although it’s still thought to be ‘way short Watford’s £35m valuation’.

However, it’s also claimed that there is ‘confidence among some a compromise will be agreed this week’, providing Newcastle fans with renewed faith that a new striker will finally land at St. James’ Park.

In a recent interview with Sky Sports, Howe has openly admitted that he is still ‘looking at a couple of attacking players that can make a difference’ in the final third of the pitch.

Yet Crook has disclosed to GMS that Newcastle only have a budget of £40m left to spend, meaning negotiations over Pedro could be tough.

He said: “I’m not sure. I think they’re weighing it up, but I think they’ve only got £40 million to spend, and they still want two in. Two forward players, one wide player and a backup for

Eddie Howe Sven Botman Nick Pope Matt Targett Hugo Ekitike Craig Hope Alex Crook