Lyon break silence to ‘categorically deny’ Bruno Guimaraes to Newcastle claims
Lyon have "categorically denied" they have reached an agreement to sell midfielder Bruno Guimaraes to Newcastle United.
It seemed the Magpies had finally made another breakthrough in what has been a frustrating January transfer window when reports emerged they had a £30m bid accepted for Guimaraes, 24.
Since getting the deal for Kieran Trippier and Chris Wood secured earlier this month, the club's Saudi-backed hierarchy have suffered setback after setback.
The latest came in the form of Manchester United blocking their loan approach for Jesse Lingard.
And now it seems Ligue 1 side Lyon could be set to do the same.
They issued a statement on Tuesday afternoon which read: "Olympique Lyonnais categorically denies the false information disseminated by many media reporting an agreement between Newcastle and OL for the transfer of Brazilian international midfielder Bruno Guimaraes.
"In this transfer window period where the slightest rumor is often presented as reality, Olympique Lyonnais reminds that only information officially released by the club is to be taken into consideration."
Reports earlier in the day had indicated the Brazilian was set to undergo a medical in his home country.
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He is there on international duty having been called up for his nation's World Cup qualifiers.
However, Fabrizio Romano provided an update that claimed there would be no medical due to issues over "payment terms and agent details".
Lyon don't want to accept money in instalments according to the transfer expert.
Their claims could just be a minor setback but it remains to be seen if a deal can be completed before next Monday's deadline.
Guimaraes has been identified as Newcastle's number one midfield target, a position which wasn't a priority for the window but was on the list for reinforcements.
The Toon are still working on a deal to get centre-back Diego Carlos in from Sevilla, which is the major area of concern.
As they have found with many targets, the asking price the board have received for the defender is steep.
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