The Daily Mail journalist Craig Hope has revealed that Everton are 'preparing to match' the offer made by Newcastle United for Joao Pedro.

The Lowdown: Newcastle offer

Sky Sports journalist and North East correspondent Keith Downie reported on Tuesday morning that the St. James' Park outfit have made a new bid for Pedro worth in the region of £30m, including add-ons.

Watford are thought to be considering the offer, and talks are ongoing between the two clubs over a potential deal to take him to Tyneside.

The Latest: Everton hijack?

Taking to Twitter, Hope has revealed that the Toffees are now 'preparing to match' the Magpies' offer for Pedro:

"Understand Everton are preparing to match Newcastle’s offer for Watford forward Joao Pedro."

The Verdict: Get it done

Given the injury to Dominic Calvert-Lewin, and the fact that Salomon Rondon is struggling to perform, the Merseyside club desperately need to bring in a new striker as soon as possible.

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Hailed as an ‘exciting‘ player by his former Watford boss Xisco Munoz, 20-year-old Pedro is already off the mark for the Hornets this term, and has a total of 14 goals for his club over the last three seasons.

Eddie Howe's side have agreed to sign striker Alexander Isak from Real Sociedad, and so may be less inclined to go for Pedro now, which could well open the door for the Blues to make their swoop.