Newcastle United forward ‘tracked’ by Barcelona as Eddie Howe eyes dream Bruno Guimaraes signing

Newcastle United are reportedly ready to revive their interest in West Ham United midfielder Lucas Paqueta.

The Magpies were linked with a move for the Brazil midfielder last summer and manager Eddie Howe openly discussed his admiration for Paqueta before his side claimed a big win over the Hammers in February.

He said: “It was never close, but we certainly admire the player greatly. There are loads of different reasons (it didn’t happen), transfer fees etc. He’s an outstanding talent, and plays in a number of positions. He gives West Ham something totally different in the middle of the pitch.”

However, Spanish outlet Fichajes are now claiming United are be ready to make another attempt to land Paqueta by seeing off competition from treble winners Manchester City and securing a £52m deal for the Hammers star. Pep Guardiola was said to be keen to take Paqueta to the Etihad Stadium during the summer transfer window and was reportedly unsuccessful with two bids before turning his attention to a move to Wolves midfielder Matheus Nunes.

Magpies star Bruno Guimaraes also revealed last year that Paqueta would be his dream Newcastle signing.

“It would be my dream (to sign Paqueta),” Guimaraes told ESPN in April. “Paqueta is my best friend.

“We made a relationship, not only on the field, but we lived together all the time outside. Our wives together too. It was a brotherly relationship, we still talk every day.

“It would be really cool if he could come here, but I can’t do this job.”

La Liga champions linked with Magpies star

Barcelona are reportedly ‘tracking’ Newcastle United star Alexander Isak as they look to find a long-term successor to Robert Lewandowski.

The Sweden international left La Liga club Real Sociedad to join the Magpies in a £63m deal last August and has gone on to score 12 goals and provide three assists in 31 appearances in all competitions for Eddie Howe’s side.

Fichajes have suggested Isak is viewed as an ‘effective alternative’ to Poland striker Robert Lewandowski - but have revealed the fact the Swedish forward is under contract until 2027 and would command a fee in excess of £63m would make it ‘difficult’ for the La Liga champions to secure a deal.

Isak did not feature in Saturday’s 1-0 home win against Brentford but will hope to return to Howe’s starting lineup when United kick off their first Champions League campaign in two decades with a visit to Serie A giants AC Milan on Tuesday night.