Overview

• Newcastle United saw their near-£50m bid rejected by Brighton after falling short of the south coast club’s valuation.
• Chelsea has begun formal talks for the 23-year-old Brazilian but remains below Brighton’s asked price and Pedro’s demand for a guaranteed starting role.
• Brighton’s firm stance incorporates a 20% sell-on fee owed to Watford, effectively raising the total package closer to £65m.
• Joao Pedro is currently on holiday and will only consider a move that secures him a first-choice striker position, narrowing his potential destinations.
• With pre-season training looming, all parties face a tight deadline to bridge the valuation gap and complete the deal before the new Premier League campaign begins.