New Lucas Paqueta claims arrive from France after Lyon star receives interest from Man City and Spurs

According to French outlet L'Equipe, Manchester City and Tottenham have emerged as the 'most credible' suitors for Lyon midfielder Lucas Paqueta.

The 24-year-old has been heavily linked with a move to both Newcastle and Arsenal after requesting to leave Lyon earlier in the window.

However, the same report states that the player is 'not particularly interested' in a move to either club, suggesting he may have his heart set on Champions League football - two things Man City and Spurs will be able to offer.

From our perspective, it was a move that made sense - we need new attackers able to add goals to our side and he is Bruno Guimaraes' best friend - but the appeal of European football may be big for a Brazilian international in the middle of a World Cup year.

Based off of our struggles to secure a new striker and right-winger - our two highest priorities - it was highly unlikely that there would have been enough money left in the budget for Paqueta anyway, no matter how eager fans were to see him arrive at St James' Park.