Newcastle HAVE been offered the chance to sign Thiago Maia according to The Chronicle’s Mark Douglas – but it looks like Rafa Benitez has turned down the chance to sign the 21-year old Brazilian from a cash-strapped Lille.
Le10Sport claimed this morning that we were now in talks with highly-rated midfielder, suggesting he could be on his way to St James’ Park on loan with an option to buy – however it appears this is not true.
Mark Douglas admitted in his latest piece that he has been ‘offered’ to the club – claiming he may have been the sort of player that Benitez may be interested in – but it’s since been confirmed that Rafa will look elsewhere instead (presumably to focus on priority targets, with a striker, a number 10 and defensive cover still needed)
Here’s a snippet from The Chronicle’s latest piece on the midfielder, confirming that we have no interest in signing him:
“Newcastle United have no interest in signing Brazilian holding midfielder Thiago Maia, contrary to reports in France.
“One outlet suggested on Tuesday the Magpies could be interested in taking the Lille player on a season-long loan with an option to make the deal permanent for the 21-year-old but central midfield is not a priority for Rafa Benitez as he looks to add depth and quality to his squad.”
He’s a deep lying midfielder and has represented Brazil at U-21 and U-23 level, so some thought he *might* have be seen as a potential replacement for Isaac Hayden should he seal a move elsewhere following a transfer request.
With us having other areas that should be a priority over a new central midfielder, it makes sense to me that we’re now looking elsewhere – even if he is a talented young player who may be available on the cheap.
