Newcastle United closing in on transfer agreement for Watford star amid Everton interest

Newcastle United are now “quite close” to an agreement to take Watford striker Joao Pedro to St James’ Park, according to an update from Keith Downie who spoke to Give Me Sport.

The 20-year-old is one of three players to be heavily linked with a move away from Vicarage Road following the Hornets’ relegation to the Championship, with Emmanuel Dennis already sealing a move to Nottingham Forest and Ismaila Sarr previously on the verge of joining Aston Villa before this deal collapsed.

One key reason behind the Senegal international’s failure to secure a move to Villa Park was due to personal terms – but Pedro is believed to be keen on linking up with Eddie Howe’s men as they look to push for a high finish under the former AFC Bournemouth manager this season.

According to the Daily Mail, Everton are willing to match Newcastle’s £30m offer with Frank Lampard’s side already making moves in the EFL to sign Dwight McNeil from Burnley earlier this summer.

The Toffees are currently in need of more firepower up top following the departure of Richarlison and Pedro has seemingly been identified as one player that could fill the void he has created.

But according to Sky Sports reporter Downie, an agreement with the Magpies could now be on the horizon going into the latter stages of the window.

He said to Give Me Sport: “They’ve made that bid and Newcastle are hopeful that it will be accepted. As we stand right now, at lunchtime on Tuesday, they are considering that bid.

“Now, there are reports elsewhere that Everton have joined the race to sign him as well. We have conflicting information on that, so we don’t have it strong enough to be able to stand up whether that is the case or not.

“But all I can say is the information I have is