Some Newcastle United fans on social media shared that they were dubious over a report that claimed they had bid in the region of £17.8million for Lille midfielder Thiago Maia.
French news outlet Le10 Sport claimed that the Ligue 1 side were previously willing to agree to a loan deal which included an option to buy with the Magpies over their midfielder but now were insisting on only letting him go on a permanent basis.
Le10 Sport stated that this change of heart by Lille was due to their financial issues and that they were looking for a club to pay them £22million for Maia.
The idea that their club had submitted an eight-figure offer the Brazilian defensive midfielder caused Magpies supporters to start telling jokes over how unlikely it was that their club was willing to pay such a huge amount for the player.
Nothing But Newcastle has rounded up a selection of tweets by Magpies fans over their club’s reported bid for Maia:
https://twitter.com/k1ando2/status/1026195084965015553
If we've offered €20mhe must be worth €40m
So they know it will be rejected.— David HUDDART (@DavidHUDDART1) August 5, 2018
No chance
— NUFC Gallowgate (@NUFCgallowgate) August 5, 2018
A pinch more like a barrel load of salt. Never happen
— A lost Geordie (@geordiedoonhere) August 5, 2018
Did they mean €2m bid.
— Andrew (@AndyhHiggins89) August 5, 2018
Not this again
— David Punton (@DavePunton) August 5, 2018
https://twitter.com/ich_sann/status/1026234754171953152
— NUFC (@BradNUFC23) August 5, 2018
OPINION
Newcastle United fans are right to be dubious as it would be uncharacteristic for them to submit such a huge offer with Mike Ashley still holding the reigns of the club. It’s slightly telling that Magpies supporters replied in their droves to dismiss the idea that they had bid for Maia despite Le 10 Sport’s report and they’re probably right to think that. If the Magpies did change their stance and splash the cash then it’s likely they will invest in a player who addresses a key issue with their team. While Maia, who stands at 5ft 8in tall (Transfermarkt), is a fabulous talent, the Magpies’ midfield is one of the strongest parts of their team.
