Watford reject Newcastle bid for Joao Pedro

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Watford reject Newcastle bid for Joao Pedro

Watford have turned down a bid from Newcastle United for exciting young forward Joao Pedro, 90min understands.

The Magpies are looking to strengthen their options up front with an additional striker and wide forward, and have a number of players shortlisted ahead of possible bids before the summer window closes.

Marseille's Bamba Dieng is one player Newcastle are tracking closely, along with a host of other Premier League clubs, but sources have confirmed to 90min that a bid just shy of £20m for Brazilian forward Joao Pedro has been rebuffed.

The 20-year-old has started all three of Watford's Championship games this season, scoring the winning goal against Sheffield United on the opening day, and the club's stance is that the player is not for sale.

The Hornets have already lost Emmanuel Dennis to Nottingham Forest and it's likely that Ismaila Sarr will also be leaving Vicarage Road amid mounting interest from clubs in the Premier League and abroad.

Benfica and Porto are also interested in signing Joao Pedro, 90min further understands, but the former Fluminense forward is seen as a vital player as Watford look to return to the Premier League at the first time of asking.

90min understands that Newcastle are also tracking Lyon playmaker Lucas Paqueta, having already seen approaches for the likes of Moussa Diaby, Callum Hudson-Odoi, James Maddison and Jack Harrison knocked back, while they remain interested in Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher after making an initial enquiry.