Newcastle United eye Brazilian midfielder but face Serie A competition

Newcastle United have reportedly started talks to sign Brazilian midfielder Thiago Maia.
FARO, PORTUGAL - JULY 20: LOSC Lille midfielder Thiago Maia from Brazil during the match between FC Porto v LOSC Lille for Algarve Football Cup 2018 at Estadio do Algarve on July 20, 2018 in Faro, Portugal. (Photo by Carlos Rodrigues/Getty Images)FARO, PORTUGAL - JULY 20: LOSC Lille midfielder Thiago Maia from Brazil during the match between FC Porto v LOSC Lille for Algarve Football Cup 2018 at Estadio do Algarve on July 20, 2018 in Faro, Portugal. (Photo by Carlos Rodrigues/Getty Images)
FARO, PORTUGAL - JULY 20: LOSC Lille midfielder Thiago Maia from Brazil during the match between FC Porto v LOSC Lille for Algarve Football Cup 2018 at Estadio do Algarve on July 20, 2018 in Faro, Portugal. (Photo by Carlos Rodrigues/Getty Images)

According to French publication L’Equipe, United are in discussions with Lille as they look to strike a deal for the 22-year-old.

Maia played a minimal part as Lille finished second in Ligue 1 last season, qualifying for the Champions League. The Brazil youth international started just 11 games in the league, making most of his contributions off the bench.

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The defensive midfielder is reportedly rated at £16.5million by his club.

Serie A outfit Genoa have already tabled a bid for the player – but the deal is reportedly for only £6.4million up front, with the rest paid at the end of an initial loan season.

Maia was linked with United last summer – but the club did not make a move for the player.

Steve Bruce currently has midfielders Jonjo Shelvey, Sean Longstaff, Isaac Hayden, Jack Colback, Ki Sung-yeung and Matty Longstaff on his books.