Tottenham may have the edge over Newcastle in any pursuit of Lyon star Lucas Paqueta, according to reports in France.
The Brazilian is reportedly of interest to both Spurs and Newcastle as the summer transfer window opens. The Ligue 1 side are expected to demand over £65million for a player who joined them two years ago.
Both clubs are mounting serious summer rebuilds. Tottenham manager Antonio Conte is keen to bolster his squad after pipping rivals Arsenal to Champions League qualification, while Newcastle are preparing to flex their newly rich muscles following last year’s Saudi-backed takeover.
Paqueta is reportedly among the players of interest this summer, having impressed in Ligue 1 last season with 11 goals and seven assists from midfield. Newcastle failed in a bid for the midfielder in January and football.london report that Spurs have joined a growing list of admirers.
The 24-year-old can play across an attacking midfield three, as well up front should he be required.
According to French outlet L'Equipe, Paqueta has decided to leave Lyon this summer after the club missed out on qualification for European football.
The midfielder is reportedly keen to test himself against the continent's best after Lyon's run to the Europa League quarter-finals, where they lost to West Ham.
That would give Spurs the edge over Newcastle should the two clubs pursue a deal for Paqueta, with Spurs back in the Champions League and Newcastle facing a 10th successive season without European football.
