Newcastle rule out move for Brazilian midfielder

The Lille midfielder has been linked with a number of clubs in this summer's transfer window.

And reports in France claim that Newcastle are close to securing the 21-year-old on loan with an option to buy,

United manager Rafa Benitez is keen to strengthen four positions between now and the August 9 transfer deadline.

Benitez, as it stands, is not looking to sign a defensive midfielder, though Isaac Hayden has asked for a transfer out of Newcastle for "family reasons".

Hayden told the Gazette: "The club know my stance. I spoke to them at the start of the summer. I spoke to the manager, I spoke to the club.

“I let them know about the situation. I’ve done my bit for the club. I helped the club get promoted and I helped the club stay in the Premier League last season.

“I just hope that they can find a solution to help me with my situation. If not, I’m a professional, so I’m going to do my job, but they know my stance. It’s not changed.”

Benitez, however, does not want to sell Hayden, who is interesting Brighton and Hove Albion.

Speaking earlier this month, Benitez said: "We are in the same position as we were last year. We are happy with him and we don't want to sell him.

"To do a movement, there would be too many things that would have to happen. I was talking with him this morning, and I don't see any change in the situation."

Back to Maia, who joined Lille from Brazilian club Santos last year.

Maia's club reportedlty hope to loan him to a Premier League club this summer and sell him for a big fee next year.

The Gazette understands that United are not working on a deal for Maia ahead of the final week of the transfer window.