Newcastle United desperately need signings and their pursuit of fresh faces to take them to an old transfer target, a player Bruno Guimaraes knows extremely well.
Indeed, Eddie Howe has confirmed that Newcastle want to sign a new midfielder, having sold Sean Longstaff earlier this summer.
Jack Rudoni is of interest to Newcastle, but the Coventry City star is seemingly not the only player on their radar.
With Joe Willock suffering an injury during pre-season, the need for a signing in that particular position has become increasingly urgent.
Given that Howe usually plays with three in midfield, the Newcastle United manager risks a major drop-off in quality if any of Guimaraes, Sandro Tonali or Joelinton sustain an injury over the course of a busy season.
Lewis Miley is an option but the teenager remains in development.
Now, Newcastle could turn their attention to a certain Lucas Paqueta.
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Newcastle United interested in Lucas Paqueta
According to iNews, one of the names put forward to them in terms of Toon transfer targets is West Ham star Paqueta.
The 27-year-old is “well-liked” by some figures at the club.
However, it remains to be seen if the Hammers would be willing to sell the Brazilian international this summer.
Newcastle were first linked with Paqueta in 2022 before he moved to the east London club.
Bruno Guimaraes will be delighted if Newcastle United land Lucas Paqueta
Guimaraes and Paqueta are good friends, having played together at Lyon.
He’d certainly be an interesting addition to the Newcastle United squad.
Though slightly more attacking than Longstaff, he’s capable of playing in central midfield and could also add firepower up front.
Since joining West Ham, he’s scored 18 goals while registering 14 assists in 120 appearances.
Team captain Guimaraes wanted Newcastle to make signings this summer and, so far, they’ve managed only two.
If they were to sign one of his close friends, it’s not hard to imagine the midfielder being delighted.
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