Journalist Lee Ryder has been speaking about Newcastle United’s interest in Lucas Paqueta as transfer rumours refuse to go away.
Earlier this week, a report from 90min claimed that Newcastle were preparing to make a double move for Ligue 1 duo Paqueta and Bamba Dieng, which would see them splash out around £50m on the pair of attackers.
However, Fabrizio Romano has now claimed that it is Goncalo Ramos who the Magpies are in fact preparing to make an offer for, as Eddie Howe continues to search for reinforcements to help bolster his attacking lineup.
Ryder has admitted that Newcastle still hold an interest in Paqueta, but isn’t convinced over how concrete talk is of a move being on the cards this summer.
He said: “So Newcastle United again linked with Lucas Paqueta of Lyon, a name that never seems to be too far away when it comes to Newcastle United transfer news.
“The reality is Newcastle are well aware of Lucas as a player, a fully-fledged Brazil international. If you didn’t know by now, he’s good mates with Bruno Guimaraes, who he’s obviously travelled over to Newcastle to see him on occasion, so he knows the city well, he knows the club.
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“Newcastle have resisted putting a bid in for him so far this summer. Doesn’t mean they don’t like him, but quite simply, they want a right-sided player or a left-sided player and a forward.
“He plays in the middle, pretty much plays in the same position that Bruno can play in, if the truth was to be told.
“So whether the situation changes with him and Newcastle eventually get the players they need, they could possibly go back for him. We’ll have to wait and see. It’s all about the price as well, £58m was his price tag at one stage; we believe that is going to drop before the window is done.
“So again, Newcastle will be keeping tabs on it, but at the same time, they’re trying to sign players in other positions, as you’ve seen with links with [Anthony] Gordon, links with [James] Maddison and links with strikers as well.
“So at the moment, Newcastle focusing on those positions, and really, the dream for many fans will be Bruno to be reunited with Lucas, but at the moment, it’s a case of watch this space.”
TIF Thoughts on interest in Paqueta…
As reported by 90min, Lyon have seemingly lowered their valuation already, all the way down to £33m, which would certainly make him a much more attainable and attractive option to the Magpies, who have spent £176m in the last two transfer windows.
There’s no doubt that Paqueta would bring goals and creativity to the Newcastle side, having ranked 11th for shot-creating actions last season in Ligue 1 and registered 17 goals and assists. Meanwhile, his reunion with Bruno Guimaraes would only make a move sweeter, before even mentioning the thought of having a Brazilian trio in midfield at St James’ Park.