A big Newcastle United transfer update has emerged regarding their pursuit of Ligue 1 enforcer Bruno Guimaraes.
What's the talk?
Sky Sports journalist Keith Downie has confirmed that the Magpies are closing in on the signing of the 24-year-old to make him their third addition of the window, after Kieran Trippier and Chris Wood.
He Tweeted: "BREAKING: Newcastle have agreed a fee with Lyon for midfielder Bruno Guimarães. We understand the deal is in the region of £30m. The Brazilian international will undergo a medical in his homeland, hopefully today."
The Daily Mail's Craig Hope then followed that up by saying: "Club sources now confirming progress on Guimaraes deal since last night. Fee believed to be £30m."
Delight
This update will surely delight fans for several reasons.
Firstly, it suggests that the club are poised to make their third signing of the window and will be further bolstering their squad. They have waited a long time for another to come along after the announcement of Wood's deal on the 13th of January and will be buzzing to see another come through the door.
They will also be buzzing as it shows that PIF are making big moves behind the scenes and submitting worthwhile bids instead of lowballing teams and missing out on targets.
It appears as though they believe they are doing enough to secure a deal for Guimaraes, given the agreement that is now in place between the clubs, and supporters will be pleased to see significant progress as the transfer window continues to wind down.
The Lyon enforcer could also be a fantastic addition to the squad and one the Toon Army would love to see. He has been in phenomenal form in Ligue 1 this term, with an average SofaScore rating of 7.30. The 24-year-old has made 3.6 tackles and interceptions per game, whilst also creating 1.8 chances - showing off his quality at both ends of the pitch.
Meanwhile, Kieran Trippier (7.40) is the only Newcastle player who has averaged a SofaScore rating higher than the Brazilian, with Allan Saint-Maximin (7.00) the next closest to him.
This suggests that he could come in and be one of the club's top performers if he is able to translate his form from France over to England, as he has consistently been delivering top-class displays for Lyon.
Therefore, fans will be delighted with the club's efforts to bring him to St. James' Park as he could provide a significant boost to Eddie Howe's squad heading into the second half of the campaign.
AND in other news, Romano reveals another major Newcastle transfer blow after Carlos, fans surely fuming...