Newcastle United have had an initial bid for Lille midfielder Thiago Maia rejected, according to La Voix Du Nord.
The print edition of the French newspaper (11 June) claim, as cited by Get French Football News, that the Ligue 1 outfit rejected the offer for the Brazilian, who was signed for £12.3million last summer.
OPINION
Capped by Brazil at Under-23s level, Maia is a player with the potential to make a massive impact in the coming years. A mobile midfield enforcer who can win the ball and distribute it efficiently, the 21-year-old had an impressive debut season for a struggling Lille side in 2017-18 as they finished 17th and a single place above the relegation places. Maia made 37 appearances in all competitions, with 28 of his 34 league matches coming in the starting XI. He was predominantly used in a defensive screening role as he proved good value for the £12.3million fee transferred on 25 July last year. Newcastle’s pursuit of Maia comes at a time when the future of Mikel Merino, a central midfielder also aged 21, is shrouded in considerable doubt. Reports from Spain suggest he is close to heading for the exit door, with Real Betis on the verge of securing an agreement. Maia is likely to be seen as a like-for-like replacement by the north-east giants.
