Newcastle set to increase bid for João Pedro after Watford reject £23m offer

Newcastle are preparing a new bid for Watford’s Brazilian forward João Pedro after a first bid of £20m plus £3m in add-ons was turned down by the Championship club.

Newcastle’s manager, Eddie Howe, is still looking for attacking reinforcements to add to his squad before the transfer window closes on 1 September but Watford are reluctant to sell, especially as they allowed Emmanuel Dennis to join Nottingham Forest for £20m this week.

The 20-year-old has played 78 games for Watford after signing from Fluminese in 2019 and has scored 14 goals. He has started all their games in the Championship so far this season, scoring the only goal in Watford’s win against Sheffield United in their opening game.

Another Premier League club still looking to bolster their squad are Crystal Palace, and they are interested in pursuing another Watford player, the forward Ismaïla Sarr. Leeds are also interested in the 24-year-old Senegal international, who scored a brilliant goal from his own half in Watford’s draw at West Brom earlier this month.