Transfer expert: Newcastle talks on for potential 'incredible signing'; price slashed by 1/3

Newcastle United talks are reportedly on to sign Lyon attacking midfielder Lucas Paqueta.

Paqueta is a player who has been linked with a move to St. James’ Park throughout this transfer window so far.

He is the former teammate of fellow Brazilian Bruno Guimaraes, and could follow the 24-year-old to the North East, though there has also been interest from the likes of Tottenham and Arsenal.

It has all the makings of a classic summer saga that could go right down to the wire, but there has been a fairly promising update from a Toon perspective.

Co-writing in his latest piece for 90min, transfer expert Graeme Bailey has revealed that the Tynesiders’ ‘current focus’ in terms of signing a creative midfielder is indeed Paqueta, and he is ‘open’ to linking up again with Bruno.

He was valued at £50m in the January transfer window, but his price tag has since been slashed by around a third to £33m and talks are ‘on’.

Paqueta and Bruno could form a dream partnership in the heart of midfield for Eddie Howe’s side.

Hailed as a potential ‘incredible signing‘ for the Magpies by pundit Frank McAvennie, the former managed an impressive 11 goals and seven assists in 44 games from the middle of the park last season (Transfermarkt), while his former midfield partner managed five goals and one assist on 17 matches on Tyneside (Transfermarkt).

Adding Joelinton into the mix, the Toon could line up with an exciting Brazilian trio in the heart of their team, which is sure to get the supporters off of their seats.

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