Newcastle close to striker deal after 'internal discussions' at St James' Park

Newcastle United held internal discussions before submitting a £30 million offer for Watford striker Joao Pedro, according to Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth.

Eddie Howe has overseen a relatively quiet transfer window at St James’ Park but still has time to add to his squad ahead of the September 1 deadline, with any further arrivals set to join Real Sociedad striker Alexander Isak on Tyneside with the Toon close to agreeing a club-record £58m move for the Sweden international on Wednesday.

According to journalist Fabrizio Romano, Newcastle have reached a full agreement with Watford for the signing of Pedro after the Hornets apparently accepted their proposal of £25 million, plus £5 million in add ons.

However, The Telegraph add that Watford are continuing to dispute the structure of the deal, with the add-ons only set to come into play if the Magpies consistently qualify for the Champions League.

The report states that the Championship side’s stance remains that he is not for sale and that negotiations with Newcastle were ‘fluid rather than agreed’.

Meanwhile, Everton have also joined the race for Pedro and are willing to match Newcastle’s £30 million offer for the 20-year-old, according to MailOnline.

They state the Toffees are considering a move for Pedro as a replacement for Anthony Gordon, who is the subject of a £60 million bid from Chelsea.

Ben Jacobs of CBS has also previously reported that the Brazlian wants to move to Newcastle this summer, although it remains to be seen how this fresh interest will affect his decision.

Sheth understands that Newcastle decided to go back in with another offer for Pedro following a series of internal discussions.

The Sky Sports reporter says they view Pedro as someone with a