Report: Newcastle fear Chelsea hijack for #145bn-valued Premier League star

Newcastle United are reportedly worried that Club World Cup participants Chelsea could hijack their bid for Brighton's Joao Pedro. 

The Magpies are preparing a formal offer for Pedro, valued at £70 million, and the Brazilian is believed to want a summer move.

As reported by talkSPORT, Newcastle are concerned about entering a bidding war. 

The report states that several Premier League clubs and European teams are also interested in Pedro, who has long been admired by Eddie Howe. 

The Brighton man’s versatility, capable of playing as a striker, No. 10 or winger, is said to appeal to the Newcastle boss.

Pedro joined Brighton from Watford in May 2023 for a club-record £30 million, and enjoyed a strong debut season, scoring 20 goals in 40 appearances across all competitions. 

The forward then reached double figures in the Premier League for the first time in the 2024-25 season with 10 goals.

However, his season also had controversial moments, highlighted by Pedro avoiding a red card in December against Brentford despite an attempted elbow. 

He also received a red card in April for lashing out at Nathan Collins, leading to a five-game suspension.

Newcastle, who return for pre-season in July, travel to Aston Villa in the opening gameweek of next season.