Newcastle learn fate after ‘astronomical’ offer put to Ligue 1 talisman
Newcastle have learnt whether their ‘astronomical’ offer for Lyon talisman Lucas Paqueta is enough to secure a transfer, according to reports.
Paqueta is an attacking midfielder who boasts an impressive record in front of goal. This season, he is on seven strikes and four assists from 21 matches.
The 24-year-old is a full Brazil international, having represented the South American nation on 28 occasions. He got the winner during Brazil’s World Cup qualifying victory over Colombia last month.
Paqueta is arguably Lyon’s most important player, and holds a value of £31.5m on transfermarkt. The Ligue 1 outfit don’t want him to leave, although that hasn’t stopped Newcastle from launching a bid.
Sport Witness, citing French outlet Foot Mercato, claim Newcastle put forward an ‘astronomical’ wage offer to Paqueta. It sat at €212,500 per week, which equates to more than €10m a year. The deal would also run until 2025.
The Magpies were hoping it would be enough to tempt the playmaker into a January switch.
But Paqueta has rejected their proposal as he doesn’t want to join a relegation battle. Newcastle sit 19th in the Premier League table after 17 games, having won just once.
Lyon, in contrast, are fighting to win this season’s Europa League crown. They won Group A in convincing style, picking up five wins out of six, thus qualifying them for the round of 16.
That puts them far ahead of Eddie Howe’s side right now.
The report claims Paqueta will consider leaving the French club. However, he would only do so if a ‘prestigious’ Champions League side came calling.
The star has made 55 appearances for Lyon so far, registering 17 goals and 10 assists. He cost the seven-time Ligue 1 winners €20m when joining from AC Milan.
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Perfect Newcastle solution could be Barca man
Meanwhile, the Express state Barcelona defender Samuel Umtiti could be a great signing for Newcastle.
The France international is pocketing £208,000 a week at the Camp Nou, something his current club cannot afford.
As such, they are willing to move him on for free this winter. Newcastle are preparing to act as they have the means to meet his wage demands, thanks to the PIF takeover.
Umtiti is an experienced player who could become Jamaal Lascelles’ new partner at the back. The club have had trouble with Ciaran Clark and Fabian Schar in recent months.
They also have the worst defensive record in the Prem, which means January reinforcements are a necessity.
READ MORE: Newcastle expected to take shot at disgruntled Everton ace in January – report
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