Newcastle United have been knocked back in their attempts to sign a big player in January.
Well, according to a report.
In France, Foot Mercato have claimed that Newcastle wanted to sign Lucas Paqueta of Lyon.
But the report adds that the Brazilian attacker isn’t interested in a transfer to St James’s Park this winter.
The 24-year-old has 11 goal involvements [scored seven, assisted four] for the French outfit across all competitions this season.
Newcastle badly need a creative midfielder if the Magpies are going to win their relegation battle and stay in the Premier League.
But it won’t be Paqueta and here’s how supporters of the Tyneside club reacted on Twitter:
Still exciting
It’ll disappoint Newcastle’s hierarchy to have failed to convince him.
However, it’s still exciting in the sense that at least Saudi Public Investment Fund are willing to flex some financial muscle.
Being one of Lyon’s best players and one who’s contracted until 2025, Paqueta would’ve cost Newcastle an absolute fortune.
And yet, according to the report, United tried to sign him nevertheless and although they failed, the intention cannot be overstated.
Being relegated into the Championship would be devastating for the St James’s Park club, whose owners are worth some £320 billion.
The good news is, they’re only three points adrift of safety as things stand and with the right investment, preserving their Premier League stay remains very possible.
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