Everton are preparing to match Newcastle’s move for Watford striker Joao Pedro. as Eddie Howe has admitted that a deal for the Brazilian is not as far advanced as initially thought.
Newcastle had reportedly completed a deal for the Watford man for a fee of around £28m, but the Magpies boss has dismissed these claims as ‘not entirely accurate.
And, as per the Daily Mail, Everton are now looking to rival the Magpies for the forward, who can play as a wide forward or a central striker. Both the Toffees and Newcastle are in desperate need of additional firepower, with Everton having sold Richarlison to Tottenham earlier in the summer and with Dominic Calvert-Lewin repeatedly sidelined with injuries in the past 18 months.
Meanwhile, Newcastle United are sweating on the future of Callum Wilson, who is going for scans on a potential hamstring injury.
And, Everton may have the upper hand in any deal for Pedro, though it will come at a cost.
Gordon wants out
This comes as Chelsea have revived their interest in Everton forward Anthony Gordon, and are reportedly ready to offer up to £60m for the Englishman, testing the resolve of the Toffees.
Meanwhile, the Athletic report, “Anthony Gordon has told Everton and manager Frank Lampard he wants to leave to sign for Chelsea.2
It is understood that Gordon, 21, wants to play Champions League football and also feels he stands a greater chance of breaking into England’s World Cup squad by playing at Stamford Bridge”, they add.
So far, Everton have resisted any potential sale, but should the 21-year-old kick up a fuss about not being able to leave, Frank Lampard only has to look at Wesley Fofana’s case at Leicester to see the repercussions.