Even though it’s clear that West Ham United are making a big effort to sign Lucas Paquetá from Lyon, there are a couple of reasons to believe Newcastle United could still stand a chance in this race.
French outlet Le Progres today features a piece admitting it’s likely that the midfielder will leave the Ligue 1 side this summer, given the interest from Premier League clubs and the fact his agent is in London to work on a transfer.
The report points out that Newcastle are a club who ‘have shown interest’, even though the Magpies are still to make an offer. Even though Paquetá feels good at Lyon, it’s said ‘England attracts him’, and that favours the move.
While the French side reject the Hammers’ attempts, it’s said they will not let the player leave for less than €50m to €70m. And with a few days until the end of the window, it’s said the ‘panic buys will multiply’.
That’s why Lyon are said to be ‘counting on other candidates to come forward’. So if Newcastle still want a shot, the opportunity seems to be on the table.
