Lucas Paqueta could wait for Newcastle United to make their move - and may play another season at Lyon if the Magpies don't come calling this summer.
The Brazil international was heavily linked with Tottenham Hotspur with reports in France suggesting that the London club had moved ahead in the battle for his signature. However, Chronicle Live understands that Spurs have not pushed ahead of Newcastle when it comes to Paqueta.
The reality is Newcastle have other priorities this summer but that may not stop the club's rich backers pulling off a pleasant surprise like they did with Bruno Guimaraes back in January. The South American is still waiting for any offers this summer. With Lyon demanding £58million for his services the big asking price has even managed to put off moneybags Paris St-Germain.
But Newcastle know there is a deal to be done if they want it badly enough, and the 24-year-old won't need much persuading to join the Magpies and his big pal Bruno Guimaraes if a formal offer is made.
Bruno actually pleaded to United to sign Lucas last season in the club programme, with Eddie Howe responding then: "I have signed players from many different sources over the years. "I've never cut off any recommendation from anybody. But of course, I’d have to go through the right process of watching and analysing the player to see if he’s right for the team."
Bruno had been asked on his dream signing and had stated: "Ah, Lucas Paqueta. He is my brother, my best friend and I really get on with him.
"We have the same way of thinking, we are the same age and we were together every day - always talking to each other. He is a family member that football has given me.
"And I hope that he's happy wherever he is. He's a great guy with a massive heart and people like that deserve the very best." Lucas has another three years of his current deal left at Lyon.
