CHESLEA have beaten Newcastle to Joao Pedro after the Brighton forward agreed a monster seven-year deal. The Brazilian, 23, is poised to choose the Blues in a £50million-plus move – then jet

Joao Pedro would reportedly prefer to join Chelsea over Newcastle if the Blues can thrash out a deal to prise him away from Brighton. The west London giants are on the hunt for fresh talent as they prepare for their return to the Champions League next season.

Newcastle have a long-standing interest in Joao Pedro; however, their £50m bid is short of Brightons valuation for the Brazilian forward; Newcastle also had a bid rejected by Nottingham Forest for Anthony Elanga;