Newcastle United ‘weigh up’ double attacking swoop - including £33m cut price deal

Newcastle United are considering making moves for two attacking players that have made a big impact in French football’s top tier.

The Magpies have reportedly received a boost in their attempts to sign long-standing target Lucas Paqueta over the last few days.

The Brazilian international has been linked with a move to Tyneside ever since United completed the signing of his Lyon team-mate Bruno Guimaraes during the January transfer window.

Paqueta is believed to have informed the Ligue 1 club of his desire to depart this summer and has once again been linked with moves to Newcastle and Premier League rivals Arsenal.

It was initially believed Lyon had placed a price tag in excess of £50million on Paqueta but 90Min have now reported the asking price would be in or around the £33million mark.

Speaking recently, Lyon president Jean-Michael Aulas commented on the situation, saying: “There are proposals for him (Paqueta). There are certain players who can feel complete in the project, and others who don't.

“Economically, we have the means to pursue our ideas and objectives. The coach gave us his opinion and there is also what the players wants to do.”

The attacking midfielder has scored 21 goals and provided 13 assists in 77 appearances for Lyon after joining the Ligue 1 club in an £18million deal from AC Milan in September 2020.

Lyon have already identified Flamengo teenager Victor Hugo as a replacement for Paqueta if a move away from the club comes to fruition this summer.

Newcastle’s attempts to boost Eddie Howe’s attacking options have also taken them to France after the Magpies were credited with an interest in Senegal international forward Bamba Dieng.

The 22-year-old star racked up seven goals and three assists to help Marseille secure a return to Champions League football with a second place finish in Ligue 1 last season.

However, manager Igor Tudor is said to be keen to add Alexis Sanchez to his squad and is reportedly ready to allow Dieng to depart for around £15million to fund a deal for the former Barcelona and Arsenal star.

Leeds United and Everton have also been credited with an interest in Dieng, who is set to represent Senegal at the World Cup in Qatar later this year.