Newcastle ‘onto a winner’ as source reveals fee agreed for Guimaraes amid twist – pundit
Frank McAvennie claims Newcastle are “onto a winner” after agreeing a fee for midfielder Bruno Guimaraes despite Lyon claims to the contrary on Wednesday afternoon.
The former West Ham hitman, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, is impressed by the Magpies’ ambition.
On Wednesday morning (26 January) Football Insider first revealed the news that Newcastle have agreed a £33.5million fee with Lyon for Guimaraes.
The 24-year-old Brazilian is expected to undergo a medical in Brazil on Wednesday while on international duty.
There are still some hurdles to overcome, including personal terms, before there is a full agreement.
“Newcastle can’t afford any mistakes in the transfer market,” McAvennie told Football Insider correspondent Ben Wild.
“So if they are going big on this guy, they clearly think he’s the one who can help them.
“They need a new defensive midfield player in fairness. They need a whole new defence as well but I’m not sure that’s coming.
“It’s a big fee but that doesn’t matter for Newcastle now. This is a key position.
“It’s the engine of the team so if you get this guy working with Shelvey, they are onto a winner.
“They need to get him in and get him ready for this Everton match that’s coming up.
“This is exciting for Newcastle, no doubt about it. It’s certainly an improvement so let’s hope they can get it over the line.”
Lyon released a statement on Wednesday afternoon, stating no agreement is in place between the club and Newcastle.
However, Lyon have pulled this move before, releasing a statement regarding Ferland Mendy before agreeing to sell to Real Madrid in June 2019.
In other news, it can be revealed Newcastle have turned their attention an English defender after twist.