Agent of Lucas Paqueta keeps dignified silence on…

Agent of Lucas Paqueta keeps dignified silence on Newcastle United links despite talk of Lyon price drop

Newcastle United started the summer transfer window with their focus firmly on other targets other than Lyon playmaker Lucas Paqueta.

There's no doubt that United are long-term admirers of the 24-year-old but with Eddie Howe keen to bring in a goalkeeper, centre-back and secure Matt Targett's future after a loan deal, Newcastle have already ticked those boxes with the additions of Nick Pope and Sven Botman. The next position to be filled should by a winger with Anthony Gordon and James Maddison still on the wish-list.

A forward would also fit the bill in an ideal world and Real Sociedad's Alexander Isak is still under consideration if the price is right. Sources close to Real Sociedad chiefs insisted last night there was nothing fresh to say on their stance other than Isak would not leave for less than £50million this summer.

For all that, the market is still fluid and things can change in the last throes of the summer trading period. Lucas may still leave Lyon with West Ham and Arsenal also keen on the star.

Newcastle's initial stance on the Brazil international was that the position he plays in already has intense competition around it with Bruno Guimaraes, Joe Willock, Sean Longstaff and Elliot Anderson battling for places. Jonjo Shelvey looked like an automatic starter in pre-season before being hit by a hamstring injury.

It was in Austria when Eddie Howe hinted that if Newcastle didn't get any luck with targets in the positions they are looking for they may move on to more available targets. Whether Lucas fits into that scenario remains to be seen but he has played in the centre of midfield for much of his career and has rarely been used out wide.

Lyon's asking price at the start of the year was around £58million and while the Ligue 1 club seem prepared to lower the fee it remains to be seen whether Newcastle decide to make their move. There's no doubt that the move would delight Bruno but by the same token, he is far too professional and focused to be upset if it doesn't come off.

The player himself was always resigned to potentially spending this season in Ligue 1 with Lyon although as Bruno proved in January, things can change quickly leaving the Brazil star open minded. His current deal still has three years to run leaving Lyon in a strong position.

There's no doubt Newcastle like the midfielder but the price and timing of the deal have to be exactly right. Lucas and his agent were also silent on fresh talk of a move to Tyneside last night meaning it simply remains one to keep an eye on.

Agent of Lucas Paqueta keeps dignified silence on Newcastle United links despite talk of Lyon price drop

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