Newcastle United have not tabled a bid for Lyon midfielder – and reported Toon target – Lucas Paqueta this summer.
This is according to journalist Ben Jacobs, who has been speaking on the NUFC Matters YouTube channel to discuss the Toon’s latest transfer news.
Reports have recently emerged suggesting an offer had been put forward for the midfielder, with Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas informing the media.
However, Jacobs insisted this had not come from the Magpies, with Eddie Howe’s side believed to be one of a few clubs interested in the Brazilian.
With interest also coming from north London rivals Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur, Jacobs provided his latest understanding on the future of Paqueta-
He said: “Lyon claim that they’ve got several offers; I don’t believe any of them at this stage – not formally speaking – are from Premier League clubs. The reports that Newcastle tabled an offer are wide of the mark, speaking to sources at both clubs.
“Although – so fans understand – sometimes when an offer’s tabled and rejected to test the water or through an intermediary or verbal, and it does get kicked out, then the clubs deny it, which is why it’s very difficult sometimes in a long-running saga – same applies for Raphinha – to know exactly how many offers have been placed.
“But I don’t think that Newcastle have advanced this.”
TIF Thoughts on Jacobs’ comments…
There certainly seems to be a lot of interest surrounding the Lyon midfielder this summer, with Champions League football potentially on offer from Tottenham.
Do you think Spurs could beat NUFC/Arsenal to Paqueta?
Yes
No
However, we think the Toon would be able to put forward an attractive offer for the midfielder if they make a move for him this summer.
Newcastle’s fortunes and his relationship with Bruno Guimaraes are well-documented, but we wonder whether his best chance of regular first-team action could actually be on Tyneside.
Arsenal have recently added Fabio Vieira to their squad and Spurs have typically played without an attacking midfielder in Antonio Conte’s three-at-the-back formation, so he may yet favour a move to Newcastle despite already having other factors potentially going in the Toon’s favour.