Deal ‘near’ as Newcastle up bid for Lyon star and ‘quadruple’ his wages
Newcastle United have increased their offer for Lyon midfielder Bruno Guimaraes as they close in on a deal for the Brazilian, according to reports in France.
According to reports on Wednesday morning, the Premier League side had agreed a fee for the 24-year-old Brazil international who was set to undergo a medical while away with his national team this week.
However, the Ligue 1 side came out publicly and insisted that there is no agreement in place.
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They said in a statement on their official website: “Olympique Lyonnais categorically denies the false information disseminated by many media reporting an agreement between Newcastle and OL for the transfer of Brazilian international midfielder Bruno Guimaraes.
“In this transfer window period, where the slightest rumour is often presented as reality, Olympique Lyonnais reminds that only information officially released by the club is to be taken into consideration.”
Guimaraes, who joined the French club from Atletico Paranaense in 2020, has played 25 times for Lyon this season and is considered a key player.
Newcastle are keen to bring him to St James’ Park before next Monday’s transfer window shuts as they further try and strengthen their squad for the Premier League relegation battle.
And now L’Equipe (via Get French Football News) claims that Newcastle ‘are nearing an agreement’ with Lyon for the transfer of Guimaraes.
It was a €40m offer which sparked rumours that a transfer was almost done but ‘a deal is now near over a transfer fee of €42m plus €10m in bonuses’.
The report adds: ‘If agreed, the player will be able to continue negotiations over salary, Newcastle have offered to quadruple his wage, and have a medical on Friday in Brazil as he is currently away with the Brazilian national team.’
The Magpies, currently training in Saudi Arabia, have already brought in Kieran Trippier and Chris Wood and have been linked with a host of other names, including Jesse Lingard, Dele Alli and Diego Carlos.
