Newcastle United are hoping to pip Arsenal to the signature of Bruno Guimaraes in what would be a sensational £33.5million deal from Lyon.
The 24-year-old still needs to agree personal terms and complete a medical - which is set to take place in South America - but Newcastle sources have stated that things are moving "positively" to completion.
United have been understandably cautious on incoming deals and have tried to work quietly in the background given some clubs are trying to take advantage of their perceived status as the world's richest clubs.
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But Public Investment Fund chiefs gave Amanda Staveley and co the green light to continue their recruitment drive in the last throes of the window and finish the job of Premier League survival.
The Brazil international had said earlier this week: "My objective at Lyon is to be champion.
"We are doing well in the Europa League, a competition that we have begun well. Ligue 1 is very difficult."
However, the lure of the Premier League is a massive incentive for any player and the South American knows he has already attracted interest from Arsenal.
The midfielder's personal terms could now be key to this deal as the Betrolucci Sports agency negotiate his salary demands.
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