Newcastle to make offer for Porto winger Pepe amid truth over Liverpool deal for team-mate Otavio
Newcastle will soon present their first offer for exciting Porto winger Pepe, but Otavio is not leaving the Portuguese side for Liverpool, reports claim.
The Magpies have made a strong start to the summer transfer window but realise they have more work to do. Left-back Matt Targett has signed a permanent deal following his loan from Aston Villa.
Nick Pope, meanwhile, has further bolstered Newcastle’s defence after the goalkeeper’s transfer from Burnley.
And with Lille centre-back Sven Botman close to signing for Newcastle, the focus is now turning to their attack.
Manager Eddie Howe reportedly has interest in a host of players including Hugo Ekitike, Joaquin Correa and Victor Osimhen.
According to Correio de Manha, though, Brazilian attacker Pepe is also on Newcastle’s radar.
The 25-year-old burst onto the European scene last season following his move from Gremio. He scored four goals and and assisted four others in the league to help Porto finish top.
Indeed, the last of those assists put Zaidu Sanusi in to score against Benfica in May and clinch top spot for Porto.
Pepe added a further two assists in Portugal’s premier cup competition, including one in Porto’s 3-1 win in the final. He also scored in the Europa League knockout stages.
As a result, Newcastle have latched onto Pepe as a potential transfer addition. However, the former Under-23 international will not come cheap.
His contract only runs out in 2026 and features a release clause worth €60million (£51.7million). The report adds that Newcastle’s first offer is likely to fall short of that sum.
Pepe has starred in a range of positions for Porto, from left winger to right-back, with an advanced position on the left his preferred role.
Porto could lose Pepe, but want Otavio to stay
While Pepe could well leave this summer, Porto want similarly versatile attacker Otavio to stay, amid reported Liverpool interest.
Fabrizio Romano claims that Porto and Liverpool have denied all the talk about negotiations over a deal for Otavio.
Like Pepe, his fellow Brazilian has played in midfield and on both wings for Porto, but prefers a role on the right of midfield. Otavio contributed five goals and 14 assists last season.
Otavio also has a £51.7million release clause in his contract, with Porto looking to maximise profit if they do sell.
The Portuguese top flight has proved a happy hunting ground for Premier League clubs in recent transfer windows.
Liverpool plucked Porto’s previous star winger Luis Diaz in January and have recently added former Benfica striker Darwin Nunez.
With Newcastle chasing Pepe, the Portuguese league continues to produce exciting talents and Pepe is unlikely to be the last linked with a move away this summer.
