Newcastle’s search for a new midfielder continues, with greater depth essential to help us compete on four fronts next season.
John McGinn has been linked, although Aston Villa are determined not to sell their captain, while Jack Rudoni of Coventry has been watched along with Ajax’s Kenneth Taylor, as we revealed in an NUFC Blog exclusive on Thursday night.
But another name, and one that’s familiar with Newcastle fans, has emerged once again this week in West Ham star Lucas Paqueta.
[The i’s](https://inews.co.uk/sport/football/how-newcastle-can-turn-summer-chaos-into-positive-3850251?ito=link_share_article-top) Mark Douglas reports that the Brazilian is “well-liked” on Tyneside, hinting at a potential move for the 27-year-old Brazilian who is best friends with current Newcastle United captain Bruno Guimaraes.
Whether it’s quality or strength in depth, Eddie Howe is lacking options beyond the starting trio of Sandro Tonali, Bruno and Joelinton.
The Brazilian can play as a No.8, No. 10 or out wide at a push and has been tipped to leave the Hammers this summer after coming out of a recent gambling accusations without a ban.
Sean Longstaff has been sold, injury-prone Joe Willock has been ruled out for the first month of 2025/26, Elliot Anderson has not been replaced and Lewis Miley is currently the only cover beyond the above.
“We had six (midfielders last season) and we want six (available for the 2025/26 season). Now we are down to four, so that’s an issue for us. That is a position that we are looking in (to strengthen).”
“We don’t think Joe Willock’s injury is serious. I gave a prognosis of four to six weeks…that could be less. But I think it is an area that is a bit of a concern.”