NEWCASTLE UNITED boss Rafa Benitez is looking to make Lille midfielder Thiago Maia his first signing of the summer, according to reports.
Maia, 21, joined the French club from Santos just 12 months ago but has already made a huge impression.
The Brazilian made 34 appearances in Ligue 1 last season, narrowly avoiding relegation with his new club by just a single point after a £12million move from his homeland.
French site Le10Sport say Benitez is looking to bolster his options in central midfield ahead of the new campaign by signing Maia, who won Olympic Gold with Brazil in 2016.
Newcastle finished 10th on their return to the Premier League in 2017-18, driven by a midfield pair of Mohamed Diame and Jonjo Shelvey.
But with depth an issue and neither player a natural holding midfielder, Benitez is looking to add Maia into the mix.
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Mikel Merino made a strong start to the season after his loan from Borussia Dortmund was made permanent, but chances in the middle of the park were limited by injury and the form of Diame and Shelvey.
Also waiting on the sidelines at St James’ Park are youngster Isaac Hayden and former Sunderland man Jack Colback.
Benitez has just 12 months remaining on his United contract, demanding assurances of financial backing from owner Mike Ashley before he will sign any new deal.
He may soon receive extra funds, but in the form of £30million from the proposed sale of club captain Jamaal Lascelles to Everton.
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Sampdoria centre-back Gian Marco Ferrari is already being lined up as a potential replacement for Lascelles, should the 24-year-old make the switch to Goodison Park.
Newcastle have also been linked with a £15million move for rivals Middlesbrough‘s Adama Traore, which may be funded by a £20million sale of outcast striker Aleksandar Mitrovic to Fulham.
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