Newcastle: Bruno Guimaraes 'could help lure' £58m star to St James' Park

Newcastle United may be boosted in their pursuit of Lyon star Lucas Paqueta as Bruno Guimaraes’ sensational start to life at St James’ Park could ‘encourage’ him to make a similar move, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.

The Magpies became the richest club in world football when the Saudi Arabia-based Public Investment Fund completed a £305million takeover last October, so head coach Eddie Howe could splash the cash when the transfer window reopens in the summer.

According to ChronicleLive, Newcastle are mulling over whether to make a move for Lyon creative midfielder Paqueta and are facing competition from Premier League rivals Arsenal.

The report suggests the Ligue 1 outfit have set an asking price of £58million, while the 31-cap Brazil international is eager to secure a contract worth £180,000-per-week after seeing Paris Saint-Germain drop out of the race for his signature.

Securing a deal with such a lucrative pay package would see Paqueta clinch a major wage hike as his current agreement with Lyon, which has more than three years to run, is worth £49,000-per-week.

The 24-year-old has reportedly told Lyon chief Peter Bosz that he will make a decision on whether to remain with the French giants at the end of the season.

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Having forked out £40million to sign Guimaraes from Lyon in January, O’Rourke believes Newcastle are in a strong position to conclude a deal for Paqueta.

The journalist told GIVEMESPORT: “Obviously, it would help make things easier considering Newcastle and Lyon have dealt with each other quite recently.

“It also helps Paqueta, knowing that he’s got a fellow Brazilian and a fellow former team-mate at St