Updates have arrived today on Newcastle’s ongoing pursuit of Anthony Elanga and Joao Pedro.
On Tuesday, David Ornstein revealed that Nottingham Forest had turned down our opening bid of £45m for Elanga, while The Times’ Martin Hardy reported last night that a £50m offer for Pedro was rejected by Brighton.
Newcastle must decide whether to return with new bids for both or pursue other targets, and it seems we’ll be doing the former based on reports this morning.
Starting with Elanga, Mark Douglas at The iPaper reveals that Newcastle are set to follow up our unsuccessful opening bid with an improved offer in the ‘coming days.’
It’s been suggested that Forest are holding out for a whopping £60m for the Swede, but Douglas reports that there is a belief on Tyneside that a deal could be done.
Then to Joao Pedro, The Chronicle’s Lee Ryder is now claiming that Newcastle are in ‘advanced talks’ with Brighton over a deal for the Brazilian, despite our initial bid of £50m being knocked back.
He reports that there is ‘optimism’ that a compromise can be agreed and a deal tied up soon, despite Brighton’s £60m asking price, with the player himself keen to push through a move to St James’ Park.
As The Telegraph reported yesterday, both Elanga and Pedro are thought to be keen to sign, but it won’t be easy negotiating favourable deals with Forest and Brighton.
Pedro feels decent if expensive. Just don’t like Elanga at that kind of money. If the scabs want to hang into him they’re welcome to him
GR(Quote)
With the prices of Premiership players being ridiculous the only option is to buy abroad.Look at the top three players, Isak, Guimaraes and Tonali all from abroad. I don’t know why Howe and Co are bothering with inflated priced Premiership players!
Peter Beaumont(Quote)
Allegedly Brighton have rejected our bid for Joao Paedo, which is a massive relief if true. They supposedly want £75m which hopefully we won’t dream of paying, but I’m sure Chelsea will and he can have his dream move to London.
We don’t need or want a character like that anywhere near the club. If you don’t know why I call him Joao Paedo, Google Joao Pedro Mel Maia. I’m sure you’ll agree we can do without him.
Ian(Quote)