For the past 48 hours or so, several reports from Brazil, France and England have brought Lyon’s Bruno Guimarães closer to Newcastle United.
A handful of claims even suggested the Ligue 1 side had accepted the Magpies’ offer, but these reports were categorically denied by Lyon on Wednesday. That is not unusual for the French club, who have a record of such press releases ahead of sales.
Later on Wednesday, Portuguese newspaper Record stated Eddie Howe’s side and Manchester United have João Palhinha ‘well referenced’ and he could leave Sporting in the coming days.
Today’s edition of A Bola has a report on the midfielder, titled: ‘Newcastle tempted for Palhinha’
The 26-year-old is an alternative for the Tyneside club, should they fail to take the Brazil international away from Lyon.
It’s claimed Newcastle ‘probed the possibility’ to sign Palhinha, but didn’t send a formal offer to the Primeira Liga side. The Portugal international has a €60m release clause.
The newspaper states the English club would not be willing to pay this figure, but could offer a fee similar to the one proposed to Lyon for Guimarães.
A Bola explain Newcastle ‘could return’ for the Sporting player, if their Lyon deal fails.
