An update has emerged on Newcastle United and their pursuit of Joao Pedro in the summer transfer window.

What's the talk?

Daily Mail reporter Craig Hope has revealed that the Magpies are discussing a swoop to sign the Brazilian centre-forward.

He Tweeted: "Newcastle remain in talks with Watford over a deal for Joao Pedro. There is a feeling progress has been made over weekend but no agreement in place (yet). Sources close to deal sound more confident than last week, however."

This comes after Fabrizio Romano reported that a final bid from the club was submitted over the weekend, Tweeting:

"Excl: Newcastle have sent Watford verbal, final proposal for João Pedro after two turned down in the last few days. It’s worth £25m plus £5m add-ons, still verbal. #NUFC Final decision up to the Pozzo family now."

Eddie Howe should be delighted

The Magpies' head coach should be left delighted by this news as it suggests that the club are closer to agreeing a deal to sign the forward.

They have made progress in their talks with the Championship club and are now growing in confidence that an agreement can be reached, which could result in Pedro coming in to be the club's fourth signing of the window.

Howe's squad has been bolstered by the additions of Nick Pope, Matt Targett and Sven Botman so far and the Toon are yet to make a signing outside of their defence.

Newcastle could now add to their attacking options by bringing the Watford striker to St. James' Park before next month's deadline, which would come as a much-needed boost to the manager.

Chris Wood made his 20th appearance for the Magpies in the Premier League on Sunday and failed to add to his tally of one goal from open play for the club - with his only other strike coming from the penalty spot. He has also struggled to link-up play with zero assists and only one 'big chance' created.

Howe has made pressing a key part of the team's game plan and the ex-Burnley man has averaged 15.45 pressures per 90, which places him in the 59th percentile among players in his position in Europe's top five leagues over the last 365 days.

At the age of 30, the New Zealand international may not be able to improve much beyond this point as he heads into the latter stages of his career. Whereas, 20-year-old Pedro, is a player who could develop and grow over time as he gains more experience at the top level.

The attacker scored three goals in 15 top-flight starts for Watford last term, whilst also creating five 'big chances' for his teammates. He has also averaged 18.45 pressures per 90, placing him in the 84th percentile over the last 365 days.

These statistics suggest that he could offer more to Newcastle's team on and off the ball than Wood, whilst also being ten years younger than the former Claret and holding the potential to get better.

Therefore, Howe should be delighted by the club's growing confidence that a deal can be agreed to bring the Hornets man to Tyneside.