Newcastle United have been given fresh hope of signing Brazil and Lyon midfielder Lucas Paqueta this summer, according to journalist Dean Jones.

The Lowdown: Paqueta a key man for Lyon

The 24-year-old has been one of Lyon's most important players in recent years, proving to be a creative hub of the team from his attacking midfield role.

Paqueta has scored 18 goals and registered 11 assists over the past two seasons in Ligue 1, also being described as 'incredible' by former Celtic striker Frank McAvennie.

Newcastle have been linked with a summer move for the Brazilian and they could yet sign him in the next few weeks.

The Latest: Newcastle given new boost

Speaking to Give Me Sport, Jones said that the Magpies are more interested in a move for Paqueta than first thought, with his friendship with Bruno Guimaraes potentially key:

"Definitely. You use anything you can to your advantage and that could help them. I mean, they’re hotter on this player than I initially thought they would be."

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The Verdict: Brilliant midfield option

Paqueta could be a hugely exciting signing by Newcastle, bringing quality and unpredictability to the midfield and further transforming that part of the pitch alongside Guimaraes.

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The Lyon star is such a talent that he could easily get the nod for Brazil at the 2022 World Cup, providing the guile in the middle of the park alongside more defence-minded figures such as Casemiro, Fabinho and Fred.

He also has 33 caps for his country and starts very regularly for them, scoring seven times.

Paqueta would certainly cost a huge amount of money, with his current Lyon current not running out until 2025, but he is only 24 and he could be a hero at St James' Park for many years.