Insider: £58m Newcastle target "more of a gamble" than Bruno, could "flop in English football"

Newcastle United target Lucas Paqueta is ‘more of a gamble’ than his former Lyon teammate Bruno Guimarães, according to journalist Dean Jones.

The Magpies have been linked with a move for the highly-rated 24-year-old as they look to continue their progress on the pitch following their Saudi-backed takeover.

In January, Newcastle spent around £90 million on five new signings in what was their first transfer window under their new owners.

Their most expensive acquisition was Guimarães, who arrived from Lyon following two outstanding years with the French outfit and has slotted seamlessly into the club’s midfield.

And now, ex-Newcastle and OL defender Olivier Bernard has revealed his two former employers are in talks once again over a potential deal for Paqueta.

“I’ve got a really good feeling about Paqueta,” the Frenchman said when speaking to Newcastle Fans TV (via the Chronicle).

“He could be on his way. Once you get one, you get them all. To be honest, it’s a snowball for me. I’d love that, and I know they’re talking, so it looks good.”

Jones believes Paqueta is ‘susceptible to being a flop in English football’, though, as the playmaker relies on ‘confidence’ a lot to produce his best form.

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He told GiveMeSport: “Paqueta is more of a gamble, from what I’ve seen of him, who’d cost a lot of money, wages and the type of player he is, I think is susceptible to being a flop in English football because it’s going to be about confidence with him.

“And if he didn’t have a good start, I’d be worried about how it pans out for him.”

Paqueta, who is believed to have a £58m price tag, initially struggled to settle in Europe following his switch to AC