Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton name the £51m Brazilian they'd love Newcastle United to sign

Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton named Lucas Paqueta as the next Brazilian they want to join Newcastle United.

Rumours about the West Ham United talisman joining Newcastle were rife before his switch to the London Stadium. As fellow countrymen, Paqueta and Guimaraes struck an unbreakable bond during their time at Lyon.

It was the latter who moved to the Premier League first when the Magpies stumped up £35million to sign the midfielder. Guimaraes became an instant hit with Toon supporters and has since led the club to the Champions League.

Green and yellow flags are also emblazoned across St James’ Park in honour of Guimaraes and Joelinton, Newcastle’s sole Brazilian resident until the 26-year-old arrived. Toon supporters hoped for a trinity of South American stars before Paqueta joined West Ham for a club-record fee.

Social media went into overdrive just months earlier when the midfielder, while visiting his former teammate, was pictured touring Newcastle. A snap emerged of Paqueta wearing the Magpies’ away shirt during a kickabout in Guimaraes’ garden - leading many to believe a deal was inevitable.

However, the Hammers ultimately stumped up £51million to sign the 42-capped international, where, like Guimaraes, he has become a fans’ favourite. It comes as no surprise who Newcastle’s maestro would like to see join him on Tyneside.

“Another Brazilian here?” Guimaraes replied to That’s Football. “For me, I played with him in Lyon, I would say Lucas Paqueta. He is one of my best friends. I like him, so I would say him.”

Joelinton agreed, while also suggesting Vinicius Junior, the Real Madrid superstar who recently bagged a hat-trick in a 4-1 El Classico win. He added: “Paqueta or Vinicius Jr, he’s a lovely guy as well.”