When Newcastle United fans spotted Lucas Paqueta having a kickabout with Bruno Guimaraes in a Tyneside back garden earlier this year, it looked inevitable the Brazilian friends would be team-mates this season. However, with just seven days remaining of a gruelling summer transfer window, Newcastle are unlikely to add Paqueta to their ranks, Chronicle Live understands.
The Magpies have not launched any bids for the Lyon playmaker thus far, despite keeping an eye on his situation over the summer. The imminent arrival of Alexander Isak in a deal worth £58m also makes a late bid unlikely with Lyon wanting close to £50m for Paqueta's services.
The former AC Milan star has been offered to a host of clubs in recent months as Lyon made no secret of their desire to cash in on his eye-catching performances. As of yet, only West Ham United have submitted an official offer to the Ligue 1 side.
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The Hammers have seen that initial bid rejected in recent days, with an improved offer to follow. David Moyes is desperate to improve his struggling side after a disastrous start to their Premier League campaign.
"We have bid for him [Paqueta]," Moyes confirmed on Wednesday. "He can play as a number 10, an eight, he plays as a false nine for Brazil quite often. I think his pedigree is really good. Pedigree doesn't always guarantee that it works, but you would hope that it helps towards him possibly getting better."
Chronicle Live understands Paqueta's representatives are confident a deal with West Ham will be agreed, despite Lyon wanting significantly more than the initial £33m offered. Arsenal have also tracked Paqueta throughout the summer, with club chief Edu publicly admitting his admiration for his fellow Brazilian.
Manchester City were another club keeping one eye on the player's situation in case Bernardo Silva left the club. Tottenham have been offered Paqueta but Antonio Conte is unsure whether the 24-year-old would fit into his current team.
Lyon have rejected West Ham's opening offer and find themselves in the luxurious position of being in no great hurry to sell. The French side are happy for Paqueta to leave if they receive a deal of around £48m but are also content keeping the player beyond the summer.
Paqueta's representatives are in the UK at present, trying to thrash out personal terms with West Ham as the east London club return with a second bid. The player himself enjoyed a Lyon stadium tour on Wednesday afternoon, along with his partner Duda and their two children.
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