Chelsea are competing with Newcastle United to sign Brighton forward Joao Pedro, according to reports.
The 23-year-old is in demand after an impressive season for Brighton, scoring 10 goals and registering six assists in the Premier League.
Newcastle have already submitted a £50 million bid, comprising of £45m up front plus £5m in add-ons, but that has been rejected by Brighton.
Brighton are demanding a £60m transfer fee for Pedro, while it’s understood that the Brazilian has told the club he is keen to leave this summer.
Meanwhile, AS reports that Chelsea have also made an approach to Brighton as they are also in the market for a versatile attacking player.
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Pedro, who was signed in a £30m deal from Watford two years ago, was dropped for Brighton’s final two Premier League games of the season following a training ground altercation with defender Jan Paul van Hecke.
Speaking to Sky Sports on Saturday, Brighton head coach Fabian Hurzeler was asked whether he expects to have Pedro and Kauro Mitoma, who has been linked with a move to Arsenal, still in his squad for the start of pre-season.
‘Yeah, for sure,’ Hurzeler said.
‘I’m really looking forward for both of them. They are great players, they helped us last season. They are expected to be back next week.’
Joao Pedro stats for Brighton
Appearances: 70
Goals: 30
Assists: 10
Earlier this month, Pedro’s Brighton teammate, Igor Julio, claimed that the Brazilian forward would prefer a move to Chelsea over Newcastle.
‘Joao Pedro had already told Brighton some time ago that his desire was to leave, look for new things, take the next step,’ Julio told Trivela.
‘It seems it will be difficult and complicated for him to stay here, we have to be honest, the club already knows that
‘I told him that he has to think about what he wants from his career.
‘He always told me that he really wants to live in London, so I think he will prioritise what comes from there first.’
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