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Newcastle willing to spend £62m on Lucas Paqueta
Newcastle United are plotting a move for West Ham United midfielder Lucas Paqueta, and they would be willing to spend around £62m to secure his services, according to reports on the continent.
The Lowdown: Lacking creativity?
It is fair to say that Newcastle have surpassed expectations in the Premier League this season, currently sitting fifth in the table, still well within reach of Champions League qualification, but goals have started to dry up in recent weeks.
The Magpies have scored just three times in their last seven games in the top flight, also failing to offer much in the way of attacking threat in the 2-0 Carabao Cup final defeat against Manchester United on Sunday.
The Latest: Paqueta targeted
Given his side’s struggles in front of goal recently, Eddie Howe is believed to be targeting a new attacking midfielder, with Paqueta deemed to fit the bill, according to Spanish sources (via West Ham Zone).
Newcastle would reportedly be willing to go close to West Ham’s asking price of €70m (£62m) for the 25-year-old, with Howe identifying him as a key target ahead of next season.
The Verdict: Worth it?
There is no doubting that the Magpies could do with adding a playmaker, given that Kieran Trippier has been by far and away their most creative player in the Premier League this season, while their midfielders have struggled to create big chances.
However, Paqueta, despite being lauded ‘sensational’, has also struggled to craft opportunities over the past year, averaging just 0.18 assists per 90, a total that is bettered by 56% of his positional peers.
As such, Newcastle should instead prioritise a move for James Maddison, who is deemed to be a key summer target, with the Leicester City ace weighing in with a fantastic nine goals and five assists in the Premier League so far this term.
