NEWCASTLE UNITED are closing in on a deal for Watford striker Joao Pedro, with Eddie Howe hoping for a transfer breakthrough this week.

The Magpies had an initial offer for Pedro rejected last week, but further discussions are expected to take place in the next 24 hours.

Newcastle are hoping to broker a deal for the Brazilian worth around £30m, some of which will be add-ons to the initial payment, and while Watford remain reluctant to lose the forward, there is a sense that an agreement is potentially imminent.

Howe had made three signings so far this summer – Nick Pope, Matt Targett and Sven Botman – but is keen to recruit another forward to provide cover and competition for Callum Wilson, who was withdrawn in the second half of yesterday’s 3-3 draw with Manchester City amid concern over the state of his hamstrings, and Chris Wood.

When asked whether there would be movement on the transfer front this week, Howe said: “I hope so. But as we sit here at this moment, I’ve got no guarantee of that so I can’t give you any certainty. But we hope to add to the squad.”