Newcastle United made a Deadline-Day approach for Tottenham Hotspur's Lucas Moura, according to Fabrizio Romano.
The lowdown
Newcastle spent £122.4million on four new signings during the summer transfer window - Alexander Isak, Sven Botman, Matt Targett and Nick Pope.
That outlay ranked them eighth in the Premier League overall, above two of last season's top five in Arsenal and Liverpool, but it seems Eddie Howe was still keen to strengthen further on Deadline Day.
Moura is currently out of action because of tendon inflammation, but even prior to the injury problem, his involvement for Spurs was limited.
He played just 12 minutes across their first two Premier League fixtures in brief substitute run-outs.
Significantly, the 30-year-old, who's primarily a right winger but can play across the frontline, is into the final 12 months of his deal.
The latest
Romano took to Twitter on Friday to reveal that both Newcastle and Aston Villa lodged enquiries over Moura on the final day of the window.
The move never reached an 'advanced' stage, because Spurs did not intend to let him go.
However, given Moura's contract situation, his 'future remains open'.
"Newcastle wanted Lucas Moura as they approached Tottenham during Deadline Day, same for Aston Villa," he wrote.
"Spurs decided to keep the player, never been advanced.
"Lucas future remains open as he’s out of contract in June 2023 and there are chances for a free move."
The verdict
Moura to Newcastle on a free transfer is certainly one to watch.
With Spurs adding Dejan Kulusevski and Richarlison to their squad this year, he appears to have fallen down the pecking order and may not be inclined to sign a new contract, even if offered.
The former Paris Saint-Germain star would bring real pedigree to St James' Park, having made the Champions League Team of the Season in 2018/19 following his hat-trick in the semifinal second leg against Ajax.
Similar in profile to Manchester United's Bruno Fernandes, Moura has won some rave reviews from pundits and coaches.
Jose Mourinho says his willingness to sacrifice himself for the team is 'really amazing', Pep Guardiola admits he makes Manchester City 'suffer' whenever they play and Ledley King has raved about his 'unbelievable' leap.