Newcastle United are interested in signing Lyon midfielder Lucas Paqueta, and won't be battling Tottenham for his signature, according to Sky Sports reporter Michael Bridge.

What is the latest news involving Paqueta?

Reports back in December suggested that Eddie Howe's side were plotting a move for the Brazilian play-maker, and that they had put a bid in to lure him to St James' Park.

GiveMeSport Transfer Update

GiveMeSport Transfer Update

However, a deal failed to materialise, with the Magpies instead signing another Lyon ace in Bruno Guimaraes.

Now, it appears Newcastle's interest in Paqueta remains, and they seem to have been given an advantage in that pursuit going by Bridge's latest comment.

What did Bridge say about Newcastle's interest in Paqueta?

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Bridge indicated that Newcastle are the Premier League team interested in the Brazilian - not Spurs - and that they would like to reunite him with former teammate Lucas Paqueta.

He said: "I've heard nothing from them about Spurs' (interest). It's Newcastle I've heard with him. Lyon is always a club to look at. You'd have to say Newcastle, after signing Bruno Guimaraes, that they would probably be keen to reunite him with him. I don't think Spurs will be in the market for him."

Lucas Paqueta would be a statement signing from Newcastle

Valued at £60m by CIES, Paqueta would be a real statement signing from PIF this summer, especially following a January transfer window in which they managed to snare Guimaraes away from Lyon.

Dubbed a "magician" by Lyon's official Twitter account, the 24-year-old certainly lives up to that billing with the way he operates on the pitch.

Last season in Ligue 1, he managed nine goals and six assists, playing in a variety of roles and positions, including as a no.10, a central striker and out wide too - that's not to mention his two goals and one assist in Lyon's run to the Europa League quarter-finals.

Indeed, Brazil legend Roberto Carlos has tipped his compatriot to make a move to St James' Park this summer, claiming: "Normally a player that is playing in the Brazil national team is linked with many clubs. He has great potential and England could be a great step for his career."

If Howe is looking for another midfield signing that could take the club forward after Guimaraes in January, then bringing in Paqueta would certainly do just that.

Given that the Magpies have no Champions League or European football to offer for next season, signing Paqueta would be a major coup for the Tyneside club.