West Ham United confirm £33.7million bid for Newcastle United transfer target

West Ham United have stepped up their interest in Newcastle United transfer target Lucas Paqueta.

The Brazil international has been repeatedly linked with a move to Tyneside ever since the Magpies completed a move for his Lyon team-mate Bruno Guimaraes during the January transfer window.

The pair remain close and Paqueta made a trip to the North East at the end of last season as he spent time with the United star.

That led to speculation United would make a move to reunite the Brazil stars - although Magpies boss Eddie Howe remained coy over the possible move.

He said: “I’m aware of Bruno’s relationship, not just with Lucas Paqueta but many of his ex-players.

“Certainly, it helps to have players play at the very highest level because those relationships and opinions can be very valuable.

“I have signed players from many different sources over the years. I’ve never cut off any recommendation from anybody. But of course, I’d have to go through the right process of watching and analysing the player to see if he’s right for the team.”

The like of Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal have also been linked with a move for Paqueta during the close-season but Wednesday afternoon brought reports West Ham had lodged a £33.7million bid to take him to the London Stadium.

That news was confirmed by Hammers manager David Moyes as he elaborated on why he feels the Brazil star will fit in with his side.

“I’m not talking about him but I can tell you we have bid for him, yes,” explained Moyes.

“(He is) twenty three, 30 Brazil caps, can play ten, eight, plays as a false nine for Brazil quite often.

“I think his pedigree is really good, your pedigree doesn’t always guarantee it works but you’d hope that it helps towards possibly getting better.”