NEWCASTLE UNITED TRANSFER RUMORS AS LUCAS PAQUETA SET TO JOIN WEST HAM

Lyon midfielder Lucas Paqueta looks set to join West Ham United this summer. The Brazilian international, who is best friends with Newcastle United midfielder Bruno Guimaraes, had been linked with a move to Tyneside in the past but now looks set to join the Hammers. Sky Sports News report Lyon and West Ham have agreed a deal thought to be in the region of £50m for the Brazilian who has three years left on his contract with the Ligue 1 side.

While Newcastle did once hold an interest in Paqueta, the likelihood is they will look to sign a midfielder on-loan this summer following their record breaking signing of striker Alexander Isak from Real Sociedad. Newcastle United goalkeeper Martin Dubravka looks set to depart St James’ Park amid speculation Manchester United are keen on signing the Slovakian shotstopper.

Nick Pope’s addition this summer has seen Dubravka fall down the pecking order on Tyneside. For the majority of his time at Newcastle, he had been an automatic first choice. However, Pope’s arrival, and strong early performances for Newcastle look to have signalled Dubravka’s exit from Newcastle. Manchester United have been linked with the 33-year-old who made 26

Crystal Palace are keen on bringing Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher back to Selhurst Park on loan. Gallagher enjoyed an impressive spell with the Eagles last term, managing to break into Gareth Southgate’s England squad. He returned to Chelsea this summer but could be set for another loan move this season. While Newcastle have been linked with the 22-year-old midfielder, TalkSPORT report Gallagher wants assurances from Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel that he will get game time.

Should he fail to get those assurances, the midfielder would favour a move to Crystal Palace, where he thrived under Patrick Vieira’s tutelage.