Newcastle United are believed to be firming up a second bid for Watford's Brazilian striker Joao Pedro after seeing an initial bid of £20M plus £3M in add-ons was rejected for the forward who scored at St James' Park last season and has limitless potential.

Watford's valuation is believed to be £35M but the Newcastle hierarchy are aware of and keen to avoid a 'Newcastle tax' is being added to fees when they are interested in a player due to the proximity of the Saudi Arabian PIF's funds wealth to the football club.

A pacy, strong and skilful 6ft tall 20 year-old who is good in the air, can play in multiple positions across the attack and has a very bright future ahead of him, Pedro ticks all of the boxes for a Dean Ashworth signing and is keen on a move to The Magpies so he can continue to ply his trade in The Premier League.

Pedro score three Premier League goals last season in 28 appearances for Watford and has scored one in two games for The Hornets in The Championship this season and he would provide pacy competition and cover for Callum Wilson and Chris Wood.

Former manager Claudio Ranieri had the highest praise for Pedro after he scored that late equaliser at St James' Park in January: (via The Evening Standard) and called for patience in his development which Newcastle fans will do well to heed if he signs:

"Look for me, Joao Pedro is a crack,”
“He is young and he has to improve a lot.
“But he is also one of the best young players in the Premier League for me.
“For me, Joao is a very good player but we have to leave him to improve slowly, slowly, without putting pressure on him.
“He has to improve a lot, he has very good skills, but slowly, slowly please.”

More on this story as it develops...