Newcastle's transfer summer has been average at best as Rafa Benitez's search for additions has been hamstrung by the club's lack of a transfer budget. 

The club are looking to add to their defence, attack and midfielder following the departures of Jack Colback and Mikel Merino.

The Sunday Times is now reporting that Newcastle have joined West Ham in the race to sign Lille midfielder, Thiago Mendes.

The Breakdown

The Brazilian midfielder is one of West Ham's top targets this summer and it seems Newcastle may have to work quickly to complete a deal. Moreover, the price stated is £18 million which would surely be too much for Mike Ashley who's informed Benitez that the club must sell before they can buy.

The 26-year-old midfielder has attracted interest from Germany, Italy and is regarded as one of the better players in France. A holding midfielder, Mendes has the ability to receive the ball under pressure, play forward but also burst from midfield to help the attack. The midfielder was essential for Lille last season, playing 31 games for the club and was a big reason as to why the club avoided relegation. Newcastle have four central midfielders in the squad as it stands, although Isaac Hayden will likely leave the club before the end of the transfer window and need to add some quality.

If Newcastle pulled this deal off, it would be a major coup and one that might win the fans over for Mike Ashley. However, with his fee likely to be close to the club's record £22.5 million transfer it's probably unlikely that Ashley would splash the cash on the Brazilian.

Thoughts Newcastle fans?