‘I have been hearing…’ - Newcastle journalists share news emerging from SJP in last 48 hours

It is unlikely that Lyon midfielder Lucas Paqueta joins Newcastle United this summer, according to Newcastle World journalists Liam Kennedy and Jordan Cronin.

A big-money transfer to bring the 24-year-old to St James’ Park this summer would have echoes of the signing of Bruno Guimaraes, who joined the Magpies from the Ligue 1 side in January for £33m.

Paqueta is also a Brazil international who has played for Lyon, and the attacking midfielder is said to be a ‘good friend’ of the current Tyneside idol.

On Sunday, Newcastle World journalists Kennedy and Cronin shared an update over Eddie Howe’s alleged pursuit of Paqueta in a Q&A for the publication. Both reporters cast doubt on the potential of such a deal being pulled off, given the huge finances which would likely be involved.

Kennedy claimed: “You can never say never in football, as often things are never truly black and white. But the noises I have been hearing so far this summer suggest this is not a deal the Magpies are looking to complete, should they get the majority of their priority targets. It’s definitely one which gets the juices flowing on social media, however.”

Cronin then added: “I’m doubtful we’ll see Paqueta in a NUFC shirt next season. Signing Paqueta would take a big chunk out of United’s transfer budget for a position that isn’t really a priority at the moment. It’s an easy link – especially with the Bruno connection – and plenty are guilty of falling into the social media fanfare.”

Given Guimaraes’ electric start to life on Tyneside, where he has scored five goals in 11 games when he has featured in Howe’s starting XI, this suggests that former Lyon team-mate Paqueta could also adapt to life in the Premier League quite well.

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