Newcastle hopeful of concluding deal with cash-strapped Lyon for midfielder Bruno Guimaraes

Newcastle have made an offer of around £30million for Lyon midfielder Bruno Guimaraes.

Head coach Eddie Howe has identified the holding role as a priority position and there is hope of concluding a deal with the cash-strapped French club.

Talks are advancing with Newcastle offering a substantial rise on his current salary.

Talks are advancing with Newcastle offering a substantial rise on his current salary

A long-time target for Arsenal and Juventus, Guimaraes has been expecting bids to arrive this week but Lyon’s asking price had been beyond most.

Newcastle have sensed an opportunity and are proposing a bid to tempt Lyon who need the cash but must also pay a 20 percent sell on to his previous club Athletico Paranaense.

Guimaraes, 24, has been capped three times by Brazil and joined Lyon two years ago from Athletico Paranaense. 

If Newcastle’s pursuit of Guimaraes is successful, he would become the club’s second most expensive signing behind £40m countryman Joelinton.

Head coach Eddie Howe has identified the holding role as a priority position this month

The record buy has been used as a midfielder in recent weeks under Howe and has performed well, winning over supporters after a difficult two years in attack. However, specialist Guimaraes is seen as a deep-lying playmaker with an ability to get around the pitch.

His signing would be seen as a major coup if they can pip more illustrious European rivals. The key will be convincing him that they can survive in the top flight.

Newcastle have added only two new signings this month – Kieran Trippier and Chris Wood – but the club’s scouts held a transfer meeting this week in a bid to narrow targets heading into the final seven days of the window.

A centre-back, central midfielder and attacking player are said to be the three key positions under consideration.

Guimaraes would become the club’s second most expensive signing behind Joelinton

They have made an approach for Liverpool defender Nat Phillips but are working on several options with Brighton’s Dan Burn also discussed. Aston Villa left-back Matt Targett is another to have been mentioned while negotiations for £37million-rated Sevilla defender Diego Carlos are becoming more difficult with time against them.

Carlos is still hoping Sevilla and Newcastle can agree a compromise for him to move to St James’ Park following the last £32m offer.

The player respects Sevilla’s position that they will not let him go unless their valuation is met. The 28-year-old told Sevilla he wanted to move to Newcastle last Tuesday.

Negotiations for £37m-rated Sevilla defender Diego Carlos (L) are becoming more difficult