Newcastle have 'made contact' with £33m star's agent at St James' Park

Newcastle United hold a ‘very real’ interest in signing Lyon maestro Lucas Paqueta before the transfer deadline but are yet to submit an official offer, according to CBS reporter Ben Jacobs.

Eddie Howe has overseen a steady few months of business at St James’ Park but could still strengthen ahead of September 1.

A report from The Sun has indicated that the Magpies have made Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher their number one target before the end of the window.

It is also understood that the Blues hold an interest in a trio of Blues attackers in the shape of Callum Hudson-Odoi, Christian Pulisic and Armando Broja.

Only three transfers have been completed by the North East giants since the end of last season with Sven Botman, Nick Pope and Matt Targett signing permanent deals.

It now appears attacking reinforcements are the top priority, with the club having previously had a £50 million bid rejected by Leicester City for James Maddison.

However, a potential boost came their way this week when 90Min reported that Paqueta, who is currently valued at £33 million by Lyon, would be open to joining Newcastle.

Jacobs understands that Newcastle’s interest in the Brazilian is genuine while Arsenal are also admirers of the player.

However, he adds that there is yet to be an official approach made by either club with conversations instead progressing through the 25-year-old’s agent.

Jacobs told GIVEMESPORT: “I think that the Paqueta interest is very real from Newcastle and there’s an admiration from Arsenal as well for sure, and I’ve said that many times. But neither club has actually made an offer.  Both clubs have gone via the agent to try and determine where the player’s head lies.”

The Magpies have already raided Lyon for a