Chelsea have been handed a major boost in their pursuit for Joao Pedro this summer amid interest from Newcastle United.

fotball.london understands that Chelsea hold an interest in Pedro this summer with the player one of a number of potential targets. The club have been in contact with Brighton over a possible move for the forward.

This week, The Telegraph reported that Newcastle were 'on the verge' of opening talks with the Seagulls, who is reputedly looking at a fee around the £70million mark for the 22-year-old. Pedro is said to have emerged as a priority target since Eddie Howe's side missed out on Brentford winger Bryan Mbeumo, who is keen to join Manchester United.

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Brighton, meanwhile, have already signed Greek youngster Charalampos Kostoulas, which suggests they may be anticipating an exit for Pedro.

While both clubs can offer Champions League football, Chelsea may have the edge over Newcastle in negotiations.

That’s according to his Brighton teammate and fellow Brazilian, Igor Julio, who claimed that Pedro would 'prioritise' a move to the English capital.

"Joao Pedro had already told Brighton some time ago that his desire was to leave, look for new things and take the next step," he told Brazilian outlet Trivela.

"It seems it will be difficult and complicated for him to stay here, we have to be honest, the club already knows that he said in contact with the report via video call.

"I told him that he has to think about what he wants from his career. In my opinion, if I were going to a Big Six team, I would go to a team that competes in the Premier League, plays in the Champions League and is always in a position to win.

"I would go to a Liverpool team and I think he would fit in perfectly at Liverpool. It's because I've always dreamed of playing for Liverpool and I would go there.

"He always told me that he really wants to live in London, so I think he will prioritise what comes from there first."

On Friday, The Sun reported the west Londoners are considering a 'concrete bid' for Pedro.

Chelsea have an already-established relationship with the south coast side.

They are no strangers to bringing players from the Amex Stadium to Stamford Bridge, with Marc Cucurella, Robert Sanchez, and Moises Caicedo all making the move over the past three years.

In total, Chelsea have paid £203m to Brighton for those three players.