Newcastle United fans will be 'licking their lips' if Bruno Guimaraes is reunited with Lucas Paqueta at St James' Park as they would form a 'dream pairing' in midfield, according to journalist Pete O'Rourke.

Eddie Howe, who was appointed as the Magpies' head coach last November, has steered the Tyneside giants away from the Premier League drop zone and is now setting his sights on strengthening his squad during the summer transfer window.

What's the latest news involving Paqueta?

According to ChronicleLive, Newcastle are set to go head-to-head with Premier League rivals Arsenal in a bid to sign Paqueta from Lyon.

The report suggests Paris Saint-Germain have dropped out of the running for the 31-cap Brazil international, while Lyon have an asking price of £58million and Paqueta is seeking a pay package worth £180,000-per-week.

It is not the first time Newcastle have looked to do business with Lyon since the Saudi Arabia-based Public Investment Fund completed their takeover of the club as they succeeded in luring Guimaraes to St James' Park after a deal worth £40million was concluded in the final days of the January transfer window.

Paqueta has reportedly refused to commit his long-term future to Lyon and told boss Peter Bosz that he will make a decision on whether to remain with his current employers at the end of the season.

However, the Ligue 1 side are in a strong negotiating position and under no pressure to sell the creative midfielder as his £49,000-per-week contract has more than three years to run.

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What has Pete O'Rourke said about Paqueta?

O'Rourke believes securing Paqueta's services would be a coup for Newcastle and it could also lead to a fruitful reunion with Guimaraes, who is valued at £27million by Transfermarkt.

The journalist feels the Brazilian's move to Tyneside would excite the Magpies fanbase ahead of next season.

O'Rourke told GIVEMESPORT: "It would definitely be something that would have a lot of Newcastle fans licking their lips in anticipation of what they can do.

"Bruno Guimaraes has already established himself as a big fans' favourite at the club and he linked up really well with Paqueta at Lyon.

"If those two could be reunited, they could be a dream pairing for Newcastle going forward."

Why is Paqueta of interest to Newcastle?

Lyon may have endured an underwhelming campaign so far, with them looking to break into the European qualification places, but the £31.5million-rated Paqueta has still enjoyed a fruitful season on a personal note.

The 24-year-old is into double figures for goals and has only missed two domestic fixtures this term.

Paqueta has also picked up silverware at international level, with him clinching the Copa America in 2019, so it is clear that he has a winning mentality as well as an abundance of talent.