Newcastle is listed as one of four clubs for two reasons. Midfielder signed by West Ham for $51 million

Former Aston Villa forward Gabby Agbonlahor thinks that midfielder Lucas Paqueta of West Ham would be interested in leaving the Hammers in the future in order to join Newcastle.

According to recent rumors, Eddie Howe is considering whether to sign the Brazilian player in the coming months after Paqueta’s proposed trade to Manchester City fell through during the summer transfer window.

The transfer fell through as a result of an FA investigation into the player for potential violations of gambling laws.

However, Paqueta is expected to be the subject of more interest by the time January comes around.

The Hammers splashed out £51million to land the Brazil international from French giants Lyon last summer.

He managed five goals and seven assists in 43 appearances across all competitions in his debut season, helping David Moyes’ men win the Europa Conference League.

So far this season, Paqueta has made five starts in the 2023-24 campaign, notching a goal and an assist.

And Agbonlahor believes that fellow Brazilians Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton could play a role in convincing the midfielder to move to Tyneside in the future.

Paqueta tipped to seriously look at Newcastle project

When asked if a move to Newcastle would be a good for Paqueta, Agbonlahor told Football Insider: “Of course. They’ve got a project now, and they’ve got the richest owners in the world.

“The ambition is to play Champions League football every season, and that will attract Paqueta – playing in the big boy competition.

“I believe Paqueta would choose Newcastle, Manchester United, Arsenal, or Liverpool because these major teams have a better chance of placing in the top four.

“The Man City move may not have taken place, but I believe he would have chosen Newcastle.” He is aware that the club already had Joelinton and Bruno Guimaraes, two excellent representatives of Brazil.

“I believe he would seriously consider it,”

It is unclear if Toon manager Howe likes the player sufficiently to force through a deal that might cost up to £80 million.

Newcastle are back in action on Sunday when they head to Sheffield United in the Premier, while Paqueta and West Ham face the tough trip to Liverpool on the same day.