Newcastle have made a €40m (£33.5m) offer for Lyon’s defensive midfielder Bruno Guimarães and are awaiting a response from the French club.
The 24-year-old Brazil international has not indicated whether he would welcome a move to St James’ Park. Other suitors, including Arsenal and Juventus, are interested in buying him at the end of the season.
Guimarães joined Lyon in January 2020 from the Brazilian club Athletico Paranaense and made the first of his three appearances for Brazil that November.
Newcastle’s need for signings was heightened when Joelinton, who has been playing in midfield, and the defender Jamaal Lascelles sustained injuries likely to keep them out for weeks.
Newcastle have been targeting the Sevilla centre-back Diego Carlos but the Spanish club, who have signed the Manchester United forward Anthony Martial on loan, have decided not to sell despite lengthy negotiations and two bids. Newcastle are likely to test that resolve before Monday’s deadline.
Robin Gosens, Atalanta’s left wing-back, is another player on Newcastle’s list but the Germany international’s preference is to join Internazionale, who are in advanced talks to sign him.
Newcastle have also been trying to bring in Jesse Lingard on loan from Manchester United, with Tottenham’s Dele Alli regarded as a back-up option if that move cannot be concluded.
