According to Fabrizio Romano, Newcastle United have made a 'final proposal' to sign Watford striker Joao Pedro this summer.

The lowdown: Rising star

Signed from boyhood club Fluminense in 2020, Pedro has scored 14 times and provided five assists in 78 appearances for Watford.

Following the Hornets' relegation to the Championship earlier this year, the Magpies have been in hot pursuit of the 20-year-old Brazilian in recent days as Dan Ashworth attempts to bolster the attacking options at Eddie Howe's disposal.

After it was reported that Pedro 'wants' to make the move to Tyneside, one well-informed source has now provided an update on the situation...

The latest: 'Final proposal'

Taking to Twitter, Romano claimed that the St James' Park outfit had sent their 'final proposal' to Watford.

He stated: “Excl: Newcastle have sent Watford verbal, final proposal for João Pedro after two turned down in the last few days. It’s worth £25m plus £5m add-ons, still verbal. Final decision up to the Pozzo family now.”

The verdict: Fingers crossed

Signing an additional frontman to Howe's ranks would be a welcome boost to the ranks, particularly given Callum Wilson's injury record and Chris Wood's lacklustre goal return last term.

Linked elsewhere with a move for Maxi Gomez, it seems certain that the Toon will at least attempt to add more firepower to the squad before the September 1 deadline, and this latest bid being accepted would be a huge bonus

Hailed as an 'exciting player' by his former manager Xisco Munoz, Pedro scored just four times and provided one assist in 29 outings across all competitions in 2021/22.

However, still with scope to develop and given the Magpies' lack of genuinely reliable centre-forwards, the £12.6m-valued Brazilian would still be a worthwhile acquisition for PIF and Newcastle, even at the mooted £30m fee.