Newcastle United have received a transfer boost concerning Lyon midfielder Lucas Paqueta.
The lowdown
It emerged in April that the 24-year-old is a target for the Magpies, with recruitment chief Steve Nickson watching him in action multiple times (via The Chronicle).
Lyon apparently want £58m for the Brazilian, who is predominantly an attacking midfielder but can also play as a central midfielder, right winger and centre-forward.
His compatriot and former team-mate Bruno Guimaraes has publicly said that he dreams of playing with his 'brother' Paqueta once again.
The latest
Lee Ryder took to Twitter to share a piece he wrote for Chronicle Live regarding the Lyon maestro, tweeting a link to the story along with the caption: "The good news on Lucas Paqueta for Newcastle as Tottenham talk is played down".
He writes that Newcastle remain at the forefront of the race for the Brazilian, and while the Magpies have 'other priorities' this summer, they could pull off a 'surprise' move for Paqueta. They know that 'there is a deal to be done', with the player thought to be keen to make the switch to St James' Park.
Ryder added that Paqueta may even 'wait for Newcastle to make their move' and remain at Lyon for another season if necessary.
The verdict
Newcastle officials will surely be very pleased when they get wind of this. It underlines the pulling power of the project on Tyneside, with Premier League titles the long-term goal at St James' Park.
Of course, Paqueta's fraternal relationship with Guimaraes also gives them an added advantage in this particular race.
The 24-year-old scored 11 goals and provided seven assists in 44 appearances for Lyon last season, with European football expert Alex Barker raving about his 'phenomenal' performances in Ligue 1. Paqueta even earned a nomination for the division's Goal of the Season award for his strike against Clermont in August
He has also reached 33 caps for Brazil, the top-ranked international team in world football, and he seems to have all the ingredients of a marquee addition on Tyneside.
In other news, Newcastle are positioning themselves for this signing.