According to a dubious exclusive from French outlet ‘Le10Sport’, Lille’s Thiago Maia could now be on his way to St James’ Park – the Brazilian midfielder who has been linked with a move to St James’ Park on several occasions this summer.
A full story on the alleged transfer has not yet been released by the French paper, however their ‘Chief Executive’ Alexis Bernard (@AlexisBernard10) has tweeted in the last few moments claiming he may now be ‘en-route’ to Newcastle United.
This is an interesting one – although it’s definitely best taking this with a pinch of salt (which I’m sure you’d learnt to do by now given hundreds of links have only lead to five signings so far this summer!)
Maia’s name is one that’s been mentioned on several occasions this summer – especially at the time we were looking to replace Mikel Merino.
He’s now been replaced by Ki, however Isaac Hayden has handed in a transfer request and is clearly intent on securing a move away before next Thursday’s deadline. With that in mind, has defensive midfielder Thiago Maia been earmarked as his replacement?
Here’s what’s been claimed by Le10Sport’s Alexis Bernard in the last few moments:
The 21-year old Brazilian represented his country at the 2016 Olympics, playing 34 times in Ligue 1 for a cash-strapped Lille last season.
The Chronicle suggested a few weeks back that Maia is a player we’d watched but someone we WON’T be going for.
Have things changed? Time will tell, but my guess would be we have bigger priorities than replacing Isaac Hayden with just 10 days left to do business.
*UPDATE* – This story on the potential deal has just been released by Le10Sport:
EXCLU @le10sport : Thiago Maia (LOSC) bientôt prêté à Newcastle ? Option d'achat fixée à 25 millions d'euros. Nouveau (très) gros coup en perspective pour le LOSC #Mercato https://t.co/mJtPM4b3sD
— Alexis BERNARD (@AlexisBernard10) July 31, 2018
Just seen him in Tynemouth – riding Shergar 😯
Toontaff(Quote)
Strange when we were originally interested he was valued at around 8m jumped up a bit if it’s now 25m
Clive(Quote)
Just read the article. It’s a loan deal which makes it slightly less implausible.
Juliolaker(Quote)
If this should be taken with a pinch of salt, why even bother writing the article?
Gary LINSKEY(Quote)