Newcastle transfers: Bruno Guimaraes of Lyon in Eddie Howe's sights

Guimaraes has scored three goals in 71 games for Lyon since signing from Athletico Paranaense in his native Brazil in January 2020

Newcastle United are closing in on the signing of Lyon's Brazil midfielder Bruno Guimaraes.

However the French club "categorically deny" a deal has been agreed for the 24-year-old defensive midfielder.

Newcastle hope to sign two or three players before the transfer window closes and are focusing their attention on France's Ligue 1.

Guimaraes - who has a contract with Lyon until 2024 - would add protection to a backline that has kept only two clean sheets in the Premier League this season.

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However interest in Sevilla centre-back Diego Carlos has ended, with the clubs unable to agree on a valuation.

Eddie Howe's side have already signed England full-back Kieran Trippier for £12m and New Zealand striker Chris Wood for £25m during the current window.

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