Newcastle United have made a late loan move for Tottenham Hotspur winger Lucas Moura, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.
The Lowdown: Lack of minutes
Despite making 25 Premier League appearances under manager Antonio Conte last season, the former Brazil international featured just 11 times in Spurs’ starting XI.
Following a busy window in the transfer market, the 30-year-old appears to have fallen even further down the pecking order at Hotspur Way, having played just 12 minutes of top-flight football this season after Spurs signed eight new players.
More worryingly, Moura was omitted from Tottenham’s last two Premier League squads – demonstrating his suspected lack of game time for the season ahead.
The Latest: O’Rourke’s news
Given Moura’s position has faded at Spurs this summer, O’Rourke has shared news of a potential departure for the electric attacker.
Taking to Twitter, the journalist revealed: “Newcastle United have made an enquiry about a late loan move for Tottenham attacker Lucas Moura."
The Verdict: Great signing
When looking at his underlying stats, it is easy to see why Eddie Howe would be interested in bringing Moura to Newcastle for the season.
As per FBRef, compared with positional peers across Europe over the past year, the winger ranks in the 98th percentile for aerials won, in the 96th percentile for clearances and in the 88th percentile for assists, illustrating his vast and versatile skill-set including defensive protection as well as creativity.
Once described as a ‘nightmare’ to train and defend against by Lilywhites teammate Eric Dier, Moura’s arrival at St James’ Park would add an attacker who can play anywhere across the frontline to Howe’s growing squad.
Hailed as a ‘monster’ by Barcelona star Raphinha, a loan deal for the Tottenham man could only be beneficial for the Magpies, so this would be a brilliant deadline day coup for the Saudi Public Investment Fund.