Journalist Ross Gregory, who’s been speaking on the NUFC Matters YouTube channel, has dropped a big claim on Newcastle United target Lucas Paqueta.
It appeared that Paqueta would be remaining with his current club Lyon for at least one more season with a price tag of £58m, however, recent reports have suggested that there may have been movement on a potential transfer to Newcastle.
Paqueta is a good friend of January signing Bruno Guimaraes but isn’t the only midfielder being looked at by the Magpies, with The Northern Echo claiming talks have taken place with Christian Eriksen.
Meanwhile, Paqueta isn’t seen as a priority target, with Gregory claiming that as it stands right now, Newcastle won’t be moving for him.
He said: “I think it’s one for further down the line. I don’t think it’s one for this transfer window at all, or probably even January.
“It might be something that gets revisited in a year’s time or so, but it’s just not a priority. It’s not someone who they’ve really looked at and is on the list of immediate targets, as far as I’m aware and from what I’ve heard.
Do Newcastle need to sign Paqueta this summer?
Yes!
No!
“He’s obviously very good friends with Bruno, and Bruno would love to have him at Newcastle, but that’s not how transfers work – you don’t just sign players’ mates just because they want them there; there’s got to be a process and I don’t think Paqueta’s on the list at the minute.”
TIF Thoughts on Newcastle’s links to Paqueta…
Paqueta could add a lot to Eddie Howe’s side as his creativity would be huge for someone such as Callum Wilson or potential incoming Hugo Ekitike, considering that he created the 11th-most shot-creating actions in Ligue 1 last season.
However, if the Magpies are wanting to improve several areas of the squad this summer, splashing out almost £60m on one player may be a very poor decision from PIF, and like Gregory said, this could be a deal that gets looked at in 12 months’ time when players such as Jonjo Shelvey are older and Paqueta would have a year less on his contract, so would likely be cheaper.