Joao Pedro's REAL transfer preference between Chelsea and Newcastle revealed

Joao Pedro looks set to leave Brighton this season with a number of clubs having expressed their interest in the Brazilian but it appears that he has already picked his next club

Joao Pedro has opened the door to a sensational move to Chelsea despite Newcastle’s growing interest. The Brazilian striker finds himself in the middle of a tug of war between the two clubs this summer.

Reports have recently suggested that Newcastle are stepping up their attempts to sign him as Eddie Howe tries to bolster his front-line. Chelsea have also been linked with a £50m move this summer.

And it appears that a switch to Stamford Bridge appeals more to Pedro, if his Brighton teammate Igor Julio is to be believed. The defender has suggested that the forward is prioritising a move to London despite his own attempts to get the former Watford man to sign for Liverpool.

“Joao Pedro had already told Brighton some time ago that his desire was to leave, seek new things, take the next step,” Igor told Trivela. “It seems it will be difficult and complicated for him to stay here.

“We have to be honest, the club already knows that. (I’m) very happy for him. He deserves it. He's been here in England for five years and hasn't played for a big team yet. It's his moment, his time, so he can make the best decision and be happy wherever he is.

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

“I told [Pedro] 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 fights for 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.”

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Pedro, 23, has scored 30 goals for Brighton having signed for the club in a £30m move from Watford two years ago. He still has three years left to run on his contract at the Amex Stadium.

Despite reports suggesting he could be on the way out, Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler hinted earlier this year that he would have the striker’s services to call on next term. He said: “Joao is still a young player and there's still a lot of potential where he will grow, and I'm sure that he will learn from this and come back strong next season.

"I'm really looking forward to seeing him renewed and reinvigorated at his highest peak for us and that's all I will say on this.”