Newcastle United target Lucas Paqueta is ‘more of a gamble’ than his former Lyon teammate Bruno Guimarães, according to journalist Dean Jones.

The Magpies have been linked with a move for the highly-rated 24-year-old as they look to continue their progress on the pitch following their Saudi-backed takeover.

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In January, Newcastle spent around £90 million on five new signings in what was their first transfer window under their new owners.

Their most expensive acquisition was Guimarães, who arrived from Lyon following two outstanding years with the French outfit and has slotted seamlessly into the club’s midfield.

And now, ex-Newcastle and OL defender Olivier Bernard has revealed his two former employers are in talks once again over a potential deal for Paqueta.

“I’ve got a really good feeling about Paqueta,” the Frenchman said when speaking to Newcastle Fans TV (via the Chronicle).

“He could be on his way. Once you get one, you get them all. To be honest, it’s a snowball for me. I’d love that, and I know they’re talking, so it looks good.”

What has Jones said about Paqueta?

Jones believes Paqueta is ‘susceptible to being a flop in English football’, though, as the playmaker relies on ‘confidence’ a lot to produce his best form.

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He told GiveMeSport: “Paqueta is more of a gamble, from what I've seen of him, who’d cost a lot of money, wages and the type of player he is, I think is susceptible to being a flop in English football because it's going to be about confidence with him.

“And if he didn't have a good start, I'd be worried about how it pans out for him.”

Would Paqueta be a good signing?

Paqueta, who is believed to have a £58m price tag, initially struggled to settle in Europe following his switch to AC Milan from boyhood club Flamengo in his homeland.

The Brazil international racked up just four goal contributions in 44 appearances for the Serie A giants, leading to his departure after just 18 months at the club.

However, Paqueta has revived his career at Lyon, registering 20 goals and 13 assists in 75 appearances for Peter Bosz’s side, becoming an instrumental figure for the national side along the way.

His arrival at Newcastle, therefore, would surely be seen as a significant coup, but it may not be without its potential pitfalls.