Le10 Sport are reporting that we have made a “firm proposal” for Lille midfielder Thiago Maia.
The French publication reported last week that a loan (with a €25m purchase option) had been agreed for the Brazilian Under 23 international to move to Tyneside. However, the story was quickly dismissed by journalists this side of the channel.
Yet it seems Le10Sport are doubling down on their report. Their sources believe Lille are now prepared to sell Maia outright, and that we have placed a bid of €20m (£17.8m) on the table.
Talks are said to be taking place between us and the French club, with a resolution being sought quickly before Thursday’s transfer deadline.
This rumour doesn’t seem to be going away, although it seems apparent that the French media are the ones pushing the story. It is believed that we are looking for a striker, a left-back and a centre-back before the transfer window closes which suggests a bid for Maia is unlikely, especially for the figure being reported.