Will Newcastle sign Lucas Paqueta?

According to a report from Spain [via The Daily Mail], the Magpies have identified West Ham midfielder Lucas

Paqueta as a January target, seeing him as someone who could make a further difference in the middle of the park.

The fact that the Brazilian is currently being investigated over betting on football matches doesn’t appear to have put

Newcastle off – he denies any wrongdoing over the allegations – and they see him as an individual who is ideal for

Howe’s team.

Paqueta could be a fantastic signing if a move materialises in the coming months, having started this season in

superb form for West Ham, catching the eye with his quality on the ball and work ethic out of possession.

The 26-year-old has averaged 4.2 tackles per game in the Premier League in 2023/24 to date, which is

comfortably more than any other Hammers player, but he has also chipped in with a goal and an assist apiece.

Paqueta is now a 42-time capped Brazil international, which further highlights his pedigree, and has scored nine

times for his country, including finding the net at the 2022 World Cup. He has been described as “absolutely

incredible” by former West Ham midfielder Declan Rice, which says a lot about his ability, and he really could be

exactly what Newcastle are after.

The aforementioned betting allegations are clearly a potential drawback, should he be found guilty – Manchester City

have also been linked with a move – but assuming that issue blows over, the Magpies should do all they can to make

the Brazilian part of their squad moving forward.

Few players are both a joy to watch and endlessly hard-working for the good of the team, but Paqueta ticks both of

those boxes and is a wonderful footballer heading into the peak years of his career.