Bruno Guimaraes’ friend wants a £180k-a-week contract while Newcastle plan £58m swoop

Newcastle United remain keen on signing Lyon playmaker Lucas Paqueta – and he’s demanding around £180,000 a week in wages.

Newcastle made an attempt to sign Paqueta during the January transfer window.

Reports in France suggested Newcastle were offering Paqueta a deal worth around £180,000-a-week.

At the time, Paqueta was happy at Lyon and wanted to stay unless he moved to a bigger side in European competition.

However, just weeks later, Paqueta’s friend and Lyon team-mate Bruno Guimaraes decided to join Newcastle.

That showed the Magpies’ traction in the face of their takeover, so can we really rule out a deal for Paqueta now?

The Chronicle Claim that Paqueta will cost £58m to win it from Lyon.

The Brazilian playmaker would then want a deal worth around £180,000 a week – the wages Newcastle reportedly offered months ago.

Newcastle could simply return with the same offer and hope Guimaraes’ influence will help persuade Paqueta to follow him.

After all, Paqueta saw Guimaraes in action for Newcastle last month and celebrated his goal on Twitter.

If anyone can sell Paqueta the idea of ​​snubbing Europe’s elite in favor of this Newcastle project, it’s Guimaraes.

The 24-year-old, formerly of Flamengo and AC Milan, has scored nine goals and provided six assists in 37 games for Lyon this season.

Primarily a number 10, Paqueta can also play a little lower or even further up if needed.

Reuniting Paqueta with Guimaraes must appeal to Newcastle but the money at stake is huge.

That ultimately depends on how big PIF wants to get in their first summer transfer window at Newcastle.

If they show the money, don’t be surprised if Paqueta reunites with Guimaraes and together they completely revolutionize Newcastle’s midfield.

In other news, the BBC pundit says the £45m star has sold Tottenham “one of the biggest signings” for PL rivals