West Ham rival Newcastle in pursuit of £25million-rated Watford star Joao Pedro

West Ham United and Newcastle United are reportedly keen on the signing of £25million-rated Watford attacker Joao Pedro this summer.

Pedro showed his quality in his first full term in England last season. The 20-year-old notched nine goals and provided three assists in the Championship.

The Brazilian was not utilised in the first five games in Watford’s return to the Premier League this season. However, he soon showed what the Hornets were missing, as he scored against Manchester United in November, after providing an assist against Everton three games earlier.

The youngster finished the season with four goals and one assist in all competitions. Indeed, he was Watford’s fifth-highest goalscorer.

The Hornets were relegated from the Premier League, finishing in 19th with just 23 points. Despite that, Pedro could remain a Premier League player next season.

UOL reports that the Brazilian is a target of both West Ham and Newcastle this summer, among other clubs.

The report states that Pedro is valued at €30-40million (£25-34million).

His lengthy contract, which runs until 2025, means Watford will be able to demand in fee in that region.

They will also want to guarantee as much money as possible, as 10 per cent of the fee will go to Pedro’s previous side Fluminese.

Neither West Ham nor Newcastle are likely to be troubled by paying a fee in that region for the attacker.

Both sides could benefit from Joao Pedro signing

Both of the interested Premier League sides could benefit from the signing of Pedro. West Ham have had only one senior striker in their squad for the last season.

Michail Antonio, the striker in question, was outscored by Jarrod Bowen for the Hammers this season, and had a few dry spells in front of goal. Adding a striker into the mix to rival Antonio for his position should help to up the quality of the side.

Newcastle have used a good deal of players up front this season: Callum Wilson, Allan Saint-Maximin and Chris Wood. None of those men have truly made the position their own.

With the promise that Pedro has shown over the past couple of seasons, given a good run of games, he could stake his claim to be the side’s no.9.

With the Magpies attempting to return to the heights of the Premier League, having a lethal striker up top will help no end, and he could soon become just that.

It remains to be seen whether either side will pursue Pedro. However, he may well be a good signing for any side that takes him on board.

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