Lucas Paqueta ‘wanted in £52m January transfer’ as Premier League rivals enter race after Man City pulled out of move

NEWCASTLE have joined the race to sign West Ham star Lucas Paqueta, according to reports.

This comes after Manchester City pulled out of a move for him over the summer.

The Treble winners saw a £70m bid rejected by West Ham for the midfielder with the club determined not to sell despite his head being turned.

It then emerged that Paqueta is the subject of an FA probe into alleged betting breaches.

Man City then snapped up Wolves' Matheus Nunes instead in a £53m switch.

Meanwhile, Paqueta reportedly has an £85m release clause in his contract, which becomes active from the end of this season.

And Newcastle could enter the race to sign him as they eye a £52m deal, claim outlet .

Eddie Howe is looking to bolster his midfield again after already signing AC Milan star Sandro Tonali for £65m.

The Toon could try to convince Paqueta into a move north using his pal and former Lyon and Brazil team-mate Bruno Guimaraes.

His deal at West Ham runs until 2027 and there is an option for a year's extension.

The 26-year-old has started all five games for the Hammers this season, scoring one goal and registering one assist.

He featured in the Hammers' 3-1 defeat to City yesterday and was seen hugging Pep Guardiola before kick-off.