Bid prepared: NUFC set to move for "huge" £50m talent, there are “very few like him" - opinion

Newcastle United are reportedly set to make a move for Lyon playmaker Lucas Paqueta, according to reports.

As per The Times, the Brazilian midfielder has ’emerged as a major target’ for the Premier League outfit, with the club seemingly ready to surpass their existing transfer record with a £50m bid in order to prise him from France – albeit with previous reports suggesting he could cost as much as £58m.

The Magpies’ previous record deal came just a few months ago as they moved for the 24-year-old’s compatriot and former club colleague Bruno Guimaraes, the latter man having joined for a fee that could rise to £43m during the winter window.

The report suggests that despite investing heavily in January – with a reported spend of around £90m to help steer the club away from danger – PIF are ready to back manager Eddie Howe once again this summer, with a move for Paqueta no doubt a sign of that support.

Having already made a statement of intent with the addition of Guimaraes – after reportedly fending off Arsenal in the race for his signature – managing to secure his ex-teammate and friend would be a further marquee acquisition, as the northeast side look to transform into top-six contenders next term.

In Paqueta, Howe and co have seemingly identified a real unique talent, with the former AC Milan gem having thrived in Ligue 1 after a difficult stint at the San Siro.

As former Lyon boss Rudi Garcia stated, there are simply “very few like him” such is the £31.5m-rated man’s talent in the final third, while Italian icon Paolo Maldini praised his “huge impact” during his early days with the Rossoneri, despite largely failing to make the grade in Serie A.

The most recent campaign proved particularly fruitful for the