How Chelsea beat Newcastle to Joao Pedro signing - Transfer expert

Transfer insider Graeme Bailey has revealed that Chelsea's £60 million bid caught Newcastle off guard after initial rejections from both clubs.

Chelsea’s post-Club World Cup celebrations have extended beyond the pitch, as the Blues secured two major attacking reinforcements with the imminent arrivals of Joao Pedro from Brighton and Jamie Gittens.

The West London club lifted spirits after their 4-1 extra-time win over Benfica, and the mood has only brightened with Enzo Maresca finalising deals to reshape his frontline ahead of the new season.

Brazilian forward Joao Pedro has opted to join Chelsea despite strong interest from Newcastle United.

The 22-year-old, who impressed with Brighton last season, was the subject of a fierce transfer tug-of-war.

According to Graeme Bailey, Newcastle were "caught off guard" by Chelsea's £60 million bid, after both clubs had initial offers rejected.

“Chelsea upped the deal to £60million and this caught Newcastle off guard. They could not, or would not, match it,” Bailey said.

Maresca reportedly sees Pedro as a versatile option who can play both wide and centrally, making him an ideal candidate to replace Christopher Nkunku, whose fitness struggles plagued Chelsea last season.

The Blues had hoped to register Pedro in time for their Club World Cup quarter-final clash with Palmeiras where he would have faced future teammate Estevao Willian but missed the registration deadline.

However, he is expected to link up with the squad ahead of the next round.