‘Real signal of intent’ - Journalist now claims exciting NUFC transfer has been ‘talked about’

Newcastle United’s potential signing of Lyon and Brazil attacking midfielder Lucas Paquetá would be “a real signal of intent” from the club this summer.

That is according to journalist Pete O’Rourke, who was speaking to This is Futbol about the latest at St. James’ Park, heading into the final weeks of the transfer window.

Newcastle are thought to be interested in both Leicester City’s James Maddison and Lyon’s Paquetá in terms of attacking midfielder options this summer, with the Express reporting that Eddie Howe’s side could renew their interest in the latter, following the struggles they’ve faced in trying to sign the former.

The same report suggests that Lyon’s initial £58m valuation of Paquetá had put the Tyneside club off the transfer with the club having a need to follow Financial Fair Play regulations, however it is now believed that the Ligue 1 club are only demanding £40m for the 24-year-old, with the Magpies potentially renewing their interest.

And O’Rourke believes the signing of Paquetá, who has been dubbed as “extraordinary” by Peter Bosz, would really highlight the club’s intentions to the rest of the league this season.

“Yeah, this one’s been talked about for a while now, this Paquetá to Newcastle one.

“Another Brazilian, he’s close friends with Bruno Guimarães. 

“So, if Newcastle can get those two reunited, it would be a real signal of intent from the club that they are going places.”

We agree with O’Rourke and believe that if Newcastle can secure the signing of Paquetá, then it will send a statement across the rest of the Premier League, in terms of Newcastle’s ambitions.

The 33-time Brazil international could be just what Howe needs in midfield this season, with the Lyon man ranking in the top 14% of