Newcastle United were reportedly keen on signing Tottenham Hotspur winger Lucas Moura on deadline day, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.

What's the word?

Writing on Twitter, the transfer guru confirmed the Magpies' ultimately failed approach for the 30-year-old, stating: "Newcastle wanted Lucas Moura as they approached Tottenham during Deadline Day, same for Aston Villa. Spurs decided to keep the player, never been advanced.

"Lucas future remains open as he’s out of contract in June 2023 and there are chances for a free move."

There had been reports on Thursday that the North East side had made an enquiry regarding a season-long loan for the Brazil international - while Aston Villa were also interested - albeit with Spurs' inability to secure an attacking addition of their own potentially a factor in preventing a deal.

"Incredible"

It will no doubt be a real source of frustration that the Tynesiders weren't able to secure an agreement for the former Paris Saint-Germain man, with Moura likely to have been a real superstar at St James' Park such is his "incredible quality" - as described by journalist James Ducker.

Also lauded as an "unreal" asset by one source, the electric forward has sparkled during his time in England thus far, despite having rarely been handed a consistent run in the side at Tottenham since his arrival back in January 2018.

Having previously scored 46 goals and provided 48 assists in 229 games during his time in France, the 35-cap gem has gone on to provide 65 goal contributions in 204 games for his current club - albeit with 72 of those outings having come from the bench.

A player who perhaps deserves a more prominent role with the Lilywhites - having been memorably dropped for the Champions League final back in 2019 despite netting a hat-trick to fire his side to the showpiece - the 5-foot-8 menace has fallen way down the pecking order under Antonio Conte, making just two late substitute appearances so far this season.

For the player himself, a departure this summer could well have been beneficial, while for Newcastle it would have bolstered an area of the pitch that is currently devoid of depth, with manager Eddie Howe heavily reliant on Allan Saint-Maximin and Miguel Almiron on the flanks.

Moura also provides a real benefit in a defensive sense, as he notably ranks in the top 4% for clearances made and the top 2% for aerial duels won among those in his position across Europe's top five leagues, with his record in that latter metric no doubt impressive considering his diminutive stature.

A versatile asset who can feature all across the line and even in a wing-back role, the £18m-rated ace could well have been invaluable to Howe and co this season, with it no doubt a real source of frustration that they weren't able to get a deal done.