Newcastle United could now face serious competition this summer in the race to sign Lyon midfielder Lucas Paqueta.
This has been suggested by reliable Tottenham Hotspur reporter Alasdair Gold, who has been speaking about the north Londoners’ interest in the Brazilian.
Reports have claimed the Toon are looking at the possibility of raiding the Ligue 1 side for one of their midfielders for the second window in a row.
Eddie Howe added Bruno Guimaraes to his squad in January from the French side and it is believed (via Robin Bairner) that Paqueta has already suggested he would favour a summer switch.
With claims indicating a move for the 24-year-old could be worth in the region of £60m, Gold believes the Brazilian is a player who Spurs have got an eye on this summer, despite the Toon links.
He said: “I know Spurs have been looking at Lyon’s Lucas Paqueta – Brazilian international. He’s one – if you don’t watch French football, you probably know his name because Newcastle have tried a couple of times to sign him.
“Very good player, 24-year-old. He can play, like I say, in that No 10 role, he can play a bit deeper in a more central role, he can play on the right as well and actually can also play up front if required as well.”
TIF Thoughts on Gold’s comments…
Interestingly, German star Jerome Boateng even stated that Paqueta has the ‘potential to be really a world star in football.’
This could be a potential blow to the Magpies this summer if the Tyneside club are looking to bring him to St James’ Park from the Ligue 1 side.
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Obviously, there is a big connection between Paqueta and Guimaraes, with the pair spotted in Newcastle already this summer following the 24-year-old’s January switch.
However, Spurs would surely pose a huge threat with Champions League football on offer and the opportunity to work with a coach of Antonio Conte’s quality.
There is no doubting there are pros to a potential move to Tyneside with the club’s big ambitions, however, Spurs also seem like a club on the up under the Italian, and also have the lure of the elite European competition.