Newcastle United have continued to keep tabs on Watford attacker Joao Pedro, as per a recent report from Football Insider. 

The Magpies missed out on a £30 million move for the 21-year-old in the summer and since then, he has gone on to sign a new deal at Vicarage Road that will keep him in Hertfordshire until 2028. 

A versatile option, Pedro has predominantly operated as an attacking midfielder under Slaven Bilic, netting six and providing a further two assists in 17 appearances in the Championship thus far. 

Addressing Newcastle's interest, and laying down his expectation of whether or not the Magpies will strengthen their stance, Pete O'Rourke told Football League World: "There's no doubt that Newcastle are big admirers of Joao Pedro. They had a couple of bids rejected for him in the summer. 

"Obviously his new contract at Watford makes things a bit more complicated and I do think Watford gave him that deal to show that they want to build a team around him and for him to be a focal point in the Slaven Bilic's team going forward. 

"So I think Newcastle obviously have moved on as well with Isak after missing out on Joao Pedro but I'm sure they're still keeping tabs on him.

 

 

"I think this deal possibly has moved on though."

The verdict 

Pedro is one of, if not the most gifted player in the entire division, meaning it is no surprise that he is being associated with a club as ambitious as Newcastle. 

Still just 21 years of age, the Brazilian attacker has an incredibly high ceiling, whilst already displaying that he is Premier League-ready. 

Given Watford's hefty valuation and the fact he is contracted to the club until 2028, it is difficult to see a move coming to fruition in January. 

It is more likely to be a situation that will be picked up again in the summer and it will be no surprise if further interest accumulates, especially if Watford fail to return to the Premier League.