Howe reveals truth behind Lucas Paqueta rumours ahead of Newcastle vs West Ham

Eddie Howe has revealed that a deal for Lucas Paqueta was 'never close' despite multiple rumours linking us to the midfielder who eventually signed for West Ham in the summer.

Howe admitted that he was a big fan of the Brazilian and 'admired the player greatly', but that 'there are loads of different reasons' as to why the move to Tyneside never happened.

At the time, Paqueta was Lyon's talisman and had developed a great friendship with Bruno Guimaraes during his time in France, suggesting that he could be persuaded to join the Magpies.

Photo's even emerged of the 25-year-old meeting up in Newcastle with his former teammate, which only added to the rumours, but there was little chance of a transfer when the Ligue 1 side were demanding what would've been a club-record fee at the time.

Ahead of today's 5.30pm clash with the Hammers, Howe expects a tough battle in midfield, with two 'excellent players' in Rice and Paqueta set to come up against a Toon side missing the suspended Bruno.

Here's what Howe had to say on the Paqueta rumours:

“It was never close, but we certainly admire the player greatly.

"There are loads of different reasons (it didn’t happen), transfer fees etc. He’s an outstanding talent and plays in a number of positions.

“He gives West Ham something totally different in the middle of the pitch.

"We’re certainly preparing for a tough game, because him and Rice are excellent players.”