Magpies battle Blues for Brazilian striker

CHELSEA are stepping up their efforts to sign Newcastle United target Joao Pedro.

- CIARAN KELLY Football writer [e-mail] @CiaranKelly_

The Journal has confirmed that Brighton have turned down bids from Newcastle and Chelsea for the Brazil international.

Chelsea, however, are growing increasingly confident of winning the race and the Blues are expected to increase their offer as Brighton hold out for a fee in excess of £60m.

Newcastle are in a muchimproved financial position to sign a player like Pedro, pictured, this summer - having already tabled a bid worth around £50m - but the Mag-

pies will still have to be smart to strengthen several areas of the side.

Chelsea, in contrast, have a long history of eventually meeting Bright-