The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's (KSA) Public Investment Fund (PIF) are pushing to sign Joao Pedro for Newcastle United, after a second bid was rejected.

The Lowdown: 'Confidence' in deal

The Daily Mail journalist Craig Hope revealed this week that the St. James' Park outfit would come back to Watford with an improved offer for Pedro, after having their first bid of £20m rejected.

He added that there is 'confidence' that a deal could be agreed by the end of this week, but it looks as if the Hornets are playing hardball with their £35m valuation of the player.

The Latest: Second bid rejected

Taking to Twitter, Watford correspondent for The Athletic, Adam Leventhal, has since revealed that a second bid in the region of £25m for Pedro from the North East club has also been rejected by the Hornets, and it is 'unclear' whether they will go back in with a third offer:

"#WatfordFC reject 2nd bid in region of £22m + £3m add-ons from #NUFC for Joao Pedro, The Athletic understands. Initial bid package for 20-yr-old Brazilian was in region of £20m (£17m + 3m). Unclear if end of matter at this stage."

The Verdict: Keep pushing

Eddie Howe's team need to keep pushing if they are to get this deal over the line.

Hailed as an ‘exciting‘ player by his former manager at Watford, Xisco Munoz, Pedro is already off the mark for this campaign, and has a total of 14 goals for the Hornets over the last three seasons.

The Brazilian is only 20 years of age, and so the Magpies would be buying into his potential - if Eddie Howe believes that potential is sky high, then the board need to trust him and splash the cash.