Joao Pedro represents a 'slight gamble' but Newcastle United have been told it is a risk worth taking because of his 'big' potential. Reports of a deal already being agreed with Watford seem to have been premature, as the Magpies continue to negotiate a move for the young forward.
Attacking recruits have been on the transfer agenda for the Magpies this summer, although moves for Hugo Ekitike and James Maddison have both ended in failure. Howe's side have made an unbeaten start to the season, but concerns remain over their options in the final third.
Callum Wilson's latest hamstring setback have heightened these fears among fans, with Chris Wood the only other recognised senior striker at Howe's disposal. Pedro is the latest target linked, but the 20-year-old's emergence on the club's radar came as something of a surprise to many.
READ MORE: Newcastle United waiting for positive answer from Watford after new Joao Pedro offer
Former Fluminense prospect Pedro initially signed for Watford in October 2018, although he did not link up with his new club until December the following year. A record of 14 goals in 78 appearances for the Hornets, including a promotion season in the Championship, may not stand out on paper as suitable competition for Wilson.
However, Pedro has quickly established himself as a firm fans' favourite at Vicarage Road despite already suffering two relegations during his time at the club. Mike Parkin, presenter of Watford fan podcast From The Rookery End, explains that it is a combination of obvious talent along with a clear dedication to the cause which quickly won over supporters.
Parkin told ChronicleLive: "He's an attacking player with heaps of talent and a pretty impressive temperament. The first time we saw him properly in the Premier League was the day we got relegated against Arsenal. He danced down the wing and caused their defence a whole world of problems.
"He's been kicked around by opposition defenders and played in a poor team, but he's never hidden and I think that has really caught the imagination. That combination of talent, wanting the ball, wanting to take it forward and make things happen combined with the willingness to get stuck in.
"He is never going to take a step back, it doesn't matter who he's coming up against, whether it's a world-class defender or a League One clogger. It is that spirit and determination combined with his obvious flair and talent has made him really popular among Watford fans, and there is a huge hope that he'll go on to great things."
Newcastle managed to find the net on three occasions against Manchester City in their most recent Premier League encounter. Wilson has made a blistering start to the season and harbours a genuine World Cup ambition, but the latest hamstring setback proves Magpies must find another goalscorer.
Pedro has led the line for Watford as well as starring on either flank as well as a support role. It is versatility which will likely appeal to Howe, but Parkin suggests this adaptability has perhaps prevented the young forward from showing his best form for the Hornets.
The presenter explained: "From a Watford point of view, perhaps we failed him a little bit by not finding his best position. Perhaps you could argue that's a failing of his, not being able to cement a particular position in the side. But then again, with Watford changing managers and style of play so often, perhaps he's suffered a little bit from that.
"His development and trajectory hasn't been the straight line we'd have liked if that makes sense. If he had to work on something, I'd say his decision-making and therefore his output. The number of goals he's scored isn't massive which is probably why he's stayed below the radar a bit, and he probably should have more assists for a player of his talent.
"It's difficult to judge him too harshly because Watford have been a poor Premier League side for two years, and he's been surrounded by players not of the standard you'd expect, along with the chopping and changing of managers. But the end product, the stats speak for themselves and he'd be looking for greater output."
Watford have already banked a substantial profit on Emmanuel Dennis, with the Nigerian forward sealing a reported £20m switch to Nottingham Forest. Ismaila Sarr is also tipped to depart the Championship promotion contenders, although a move to Aston Villa appears to have broken down.
The Senegal international has been tentatively linked with Newcastle in recent weeks, with the pacy winger seemingly ticking the boxes required by Howe this summer. However, it is Pedro who the Magpies have moved for and it is a decision which does not seem to have come as a surprise to Watford fans.
Parkin said: "If Dan Ashworth got me into a meeting room and asked me which one they should go for, I'd probably say Pedro and I think his best years are yet to come. I think it will be fascinating to see how Dennis gets on at Nottingham Forest, I think he will struggle.
"Ismaila Sarr has the benefit of absolutely extraordinary pace that no defender can live with, but he's had issues with injury and hasn't had a decent run in the side. His body of work at Watford probably isn't sufficient to get the move that he would want, and what Watford would have expected him to get when they bought him.
"He's several years further down the line than Pedro, so in terms of potential and future sell-on, Pedro is the one. He's younger, he's got more to learn which is more of a gamble, but I think there's more untapped potential with him."
Pedro netted three times in the Premier League last season, including a devastating late equaliser at St James' Park in January. The forward's application and talent is not in question, but his versatility means it might be difficult to predict the role he will play in Howe's squad.
Parkin added: "That's the question he has to answer because the possibility of getting swallowed up at Newcastle in terms of his progression is a real one. He's not going to be the number one striker ahead of Wilson, that's just not going to happen. He's not going to displace [Allan] Saint-Maximin either so he's going to have to decide whether he is willing to play second or third fiddle.
"That's a real consideration for a player who has the opportunity to be at the vanguard of a potentially successful season for Watford. Where he fits in, I think the good thing is he can play in any of those positions. He's quick, powerful, direct and strong.
"I don't think he'd have any trouble playing where Eddie Howe wants him to which is a positive. His commitment and talent means if he was thrown into any of those roles, I don't think he'd let Newcastle down and he wouldn't disappoint the fans."
Newcastle are currently still awaiting a response to their latest offer for Pedro. Reports over Watford's valuation and the nature of the Magpies' bids so far differ, although a total package in the region of £30 million could be enough for an agreement.
In a window where the valuations of Morgan Gibbs-White and Anthony Gordon have raised eyebrows, it may no longer be the most extravagant sum for a Premier League transfer. But if Newcastle and Watford were to shake hands on a £30m deal, which club would be getting the better deal?
Parkin answered: "There's potential with Pedro, if he plays another season and scores 25 goals, and starts well in the Premier League next season, £30m starts to look cheap all of a sudden. It sounds a lot of money but the market is absolutely barking mad, and then there's the obvious Newcastle tax as well.
"You have to say as a club when you're dealing with Newcastle, you're going to want to say that you've got what you can. There's no point pretending that's not the case, Newcastle can't plead poverty regardless of Financial Fair Play as that's no-one else's problem.
"If Newcastle get him for £30m, I'd say it's a good deal for Newcastle simply because in this day and age, it's not a huge amount of money for someone with that sort of potential. For Watford, it depends on the structure of the deal and how they are able to reinvest who can at least try and plug the gap.
"That's the big issue for Watford supporters, the money is no use if we can't get anyone in to replace him. I think it would be a good deal for Newcastle, a slight gamble but the potential for him is so big that it's probably worth it."
READ NEXT
Newcastle United remind Chris Wood he still has massive part' to play for Magpies
'I'm not afraid' - Eddie Howe reveals his Newcastle dream supporters will love in Ashley shift
What Newcastle United can expect from 'tough negotiator' Darren Eales as new role begins
Newcastle United supporters all say the same thing in response to Ivan Toney claim
Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe delivers update on Callum Wilson's hamstring injury
