West Ham star tipped to ‘seriously look at’ joining Newcastle United

Former Aston Villa striker Gabby Agbonlahor reckons West Ham United star Lucas Paqueta would be interested in a future move to Newcastle United.

In a saga fuelled by Bruno Guimaraes’ close relationship with his former Lyon and current Brazil teammate, the Magpies continue to be linked with the 26-year-old.

That is despite Paqueta coming close to joining Premier League champions Manchester City in the summer before the deal broke due to concerns surrounding the midfielder’s betting investigation.

And if City decide against reigniting their interest, Newcastle are tipped as a potential destination.

“They’ve got a project now, and they’ve got the richest owners in the world,” Agbonlahor told Football Insider. The ambition is to play Champions League football every season, and that will attract Paqueta – playing in the big boy competition.

“I think Paqueta would go to Newcastle, Man United, Arsenal, Liverpool – these big clubs have a bigger chance of finishing in the top four.

“The Man City move might not have happened but I think he’d choose Newcastle. He knows there is a good Brazillian contingent at the club already in Joelinton and Bruno Guimaraes. I think it’s a move he would seriously look at.”

Despite Agbonlahor’s comments, there are doubts over how genuine United’s interest in is Paqueta.

Eddie Howe revealed earlier this year the Magpies never came close to signing Paqueta before his £51m move to West Ham just 12 months ago.

“It was never close, but we certainly admire the player greatly,” the Newcastle head coach said. “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.”