La Voix du Nord report that Premier League side Newcastle United are locked in negotiations to sign Brazilian midfielder Thiago Maia from Lille in the final hours of the English transfer deadline.

Talks continued today between the two clubs over a possible deal. The Magpies approached LOSC in the first instance on a loan with option to buy basis, which is not what President Gérard Lopez wants.

Unless he changes his mind at the last minute, Lopez would prefer a sale. He is in no rush to rid of Maia either, with clubs in countries whose windows close later than the Thursday deadline for the UK market showing substantial interest, like Serie A outfit Genoa.

The ball is in Newcastle’s court.

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