Newcastle United owners don't need to be told again that the arrival of Lucas Paqueta would have fans partying in the streets of the Toon this summer. However, despite a further recommendation from Bruno Guimaraes no less, who says the Brazil ace would be his dream signing at United, Paqueta has assured his current club he is focused on the remainder of Lyon's season. Newcastle already have a well trodden path when it comes to dealing with the Ligue 1 club after the £33.5million signing of Bruno.
Lyon still have an outside chance of European football next season but currently sit in eighth spot. And sources in France are indicating Paqueta has given Lyon manager Peter Bosz his word he will make a decision at the end of the season.
Newcastle are in with a great shout of signing Paqueta as he is not one of Lyon's big earners, picking up just £50,000 per week, and French rivals Paris St-Germain have also cooled their interest. But as reported on Chronicle Live recently Arsenal are very much in the hunt for his services too.
Jeff Hendrick likely to head back to Newcastle United after loan with Queens Park Rangers
The Republic of Ireland international is due back at Newcastle for pre-season training but will not be happy to just pick up his wages. After being left out of the Magpies' 25-man squad his agent sparked a loan to QPR in January.
Ireland boss Stephen Kenny was asked about 30-year-old Hendrick's future last week and said: "He's a lad who wants to play especially given the stage he's at in his career."
Similar conversations between Hendrick and his agent are taking place at the moment but Eddie Howe is yet to decide what to do next with the former Burnley player. He is already severely overloaded with midfielders with Bruno, Joelinton and Jonjo Shelvey his first choice at the moment. Joe Willock is not even guaranteed a start at the minute either.
Sean and Matty Longstaff are also options next season while Elliot Anderson and Joe White will need a game plan after loan spells at Bristol Rovers and Hartlepool United.
Eddie Howe's hope for Allan Saint-Maximin
Newcastle winger Allan Saint-Maximin says he will consider his future at the end of the season. Having underlined his desire to get a top 10 place last summer, United may be able to hand him that wish this season.
Saint-Maximin toiled the Norwich defence all afternoon at Carrow Road and when asked about his next move, he said last night: "Everyone can see now a great future for Newcastle - I'm sure we'll start to be one of the best teams in the Premier League.
"For that to happen we need to work hard in every training. I know the owner and the manager will do everything to improve the team. "Everyone can score any time. That's why we can be one of the big teams in the Premier League.
"It's really exciting. I think every player can really want to be part of this team. "We have great supporters, a great city, one of the best leagues in the world. "I think the future for Newcastle will be really good. We're the most rich club in the Premier League and I'm sure so many good things will start to happen."
