Manager ‘delighted’ after Newcastle United’s late approach to sign exciting striker failed

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Newcastle United wanted Joao Pedro and went back in with another late offer for the Watford striker on deadline day, but to no avail.

The Magpies secured a major attacking signing in August as Real Sociedad striker Alexander Isak completed a big move to St James’ Park.

The Swede made an instant impact, scoring with a superb finish against Liverpool on Wednesday night.

Newcastle fans will certainly hope to see more of that goalscoring ability on show from Isak during his time on Tyneside, and he should be a huge part of their project.

Isak was the only attacking addition for Newcastle though, even with a real push for Watford talent Joao Pedro taking place.

Newcastle United wanted Joao Pedro

This one looked like it was on the verge of completion in August.

Fabrizio Romano claimed just over a week before the deadline that Joao Pedro to Newcastle was a ‘done deal’ and gave the move his usual ‘here we go’.

Yet just a couple of days later, Newcastle had moved in for Isak and had seemingly shelved a move for Joao Pedro after all.

Once Isak’s move was done, that seemed to be the end of Newcastle’s pursuit of Joao Pedro – but it wasn’t.

The Telegraph (11:41am) reported on deadline day that Newcastle had actually come back in with a ‘late attempt’ to resurrect a deal.

The Magpies offered £25million plus £5million in bonuses if they qualified for the Champions League.

Watford rebuffed Newcastle though, and this story is corroborated by The Chronicle, who claim that Newcastle ‘definitely’ went back in with a new move for Joao Pedro before deadline day.

Watford stood firm and were able to start Joao Pedro in Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Rotherham United.

The Brazilian wasn’t on the scoresheet but Hornets boss Rob Edwards has admitted that he is ‘delighted’ to have kept both Joao Pedro and Ismaila Sarr.

Edwards praised their commitment to the cause despite the rumours and admitted to BBC Sport that a deal for Joao Pedro to leave was ‘close’, with many expecting him to join Newcastle.

Maybe the Magpies try again in 2023, but for now the Brazilian will focus on shining in the Championship – possibly attracting more and more interest along the way.