As we approach the August 31st deadline, Crystal Palace and Newcastle are trying to sign Ismaila Sarr and Joao Pedro from Watford respectively.
The south Londoners are said to have bid £18m for the Senegal international, whereas Newcastle are believed to have offered £30m to sign the Brazilian.
However, a fresh update from Luke Edwards of the Telegraph reveals a “growing concern” from Newcastle.
What’s the story?
Well, Edwards believes Watford could now keep Pedro, and we believe Crystal Palace have something to do with that.
In our view, the Hornets are unlikely to sell both attackers, especially after losing Emmanuel Dennis to Nottingham Forest.
Therefore, if Patrick Vieira signs Sarr before Eddie Howe makes any progress with Pedro, it could be curtains for Newcastle’s hopes of signing the South American – for now, at least.
Alternatively, it could be Sarr who ends up staying at Vicarage Road, if Newcastle sign the Watford No.10 before Crystal Palace advance their interest in Senegalese forward.
Ultimately, we’re starting to get the feeling that Crystal Palace and Newcastle need to sign their respective target from Watford as soon as possible, or else one side will miss out.
Newcastle may lose out on Joao Pedro because of Crystal Palace
In our view, Watford are more likely to sell Sarr this summer than Pedro.
Why? Well, the Brazilian is just 20 years of age, and has a contract running until June 2025, so the Hornets are in a good position to receive more than £30m for their No.10 in a year or two.
Contrastingly, Sarr is 24, and will enter the final 12 months of his contract next summer.
Therefore, Watford should feel more urgency to sell Sarr before his value plummets far below the £18m Crystal Palace are offering – with Pedro, the feeling from us is that his valuation will go the other way.
Whatever happens, make sure to keep an eye on this situation, as Watford need to make a decision.
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