Joelinton responds to Lucas Paqueta links after meeting Lyon star at Bruno Guimaraes' house

Joelinton has admitted it "would be great" to see Lucas Paqueta join him and Bruno Guimaraes at St James' Park.

The Lyon playmaker has been linked with a big-money move to the Premier League for several months now - and those murmurings only increased when he was spotted visiting his best friend Bruno on Tyneside earlier this summer.

Big Joe has has revealed that he also met the fellow Brazilian during his recent trip to the North-East - which was to celebrate the birthday of Bruno's partner - saying he is a "great guy" and "great player" he'd be "very happy" to see us sign.

Speaking to The Mirror, here's what big Joe had to say when asked about our alleged interest:

“It would be great.

“I met him last season in Newcastle with Bruno and we just played a bit of ball and chatted.

“He’s a great guy and, if he comes, I will be very happy because he is really a great player.”

Speaking to the same outlet, here's what Bruno said when asked if he'd like to see his good friend in a black and white shirt, insisting once again that he'd "love" to see him sign:

“Paqueta in black and white again? It is difficult to say. I would love that!

"But I don’t work in this area.

"I am a player. I invited him [to my house] and we play together in my garden. It was only this.”

Several outlets have confirmed our admiration of Paqueta, however it's often been said that he isn't a priority and may cost more than we'd be willing to pay - especially while our budget remain tighter than some anticipated.

However, with us making a recent move for James Maddison - another number 10 who can also play out wide - it makes you wonder if we MIGHT just reconsider the Samba star if his asking price comes down over the final few weeks of the window?