Lyon 'reject West Ham's second offer' for winger; 'Count on' rival interests amid Newcastle-Arsenal links

It has been revealed that Lyon have turned down a second offer from West Ham for their winger Lucas Paqueta amid Newcastle, Arsenal links.

West Ham United's interest in Paqueta has come out of nowhere in recent days as Arsenal and Newcastle United were linked with him earlier this summer.

Former Arsenal target Bruno Guimaraes moved to Newcastle United in January and has taken off at St James' Park.

Battle of Britain, Familiar Faces and Favorable Draws: The Top Five #Tales from the CL Draw

Guimaraes played with Paqueta at Lyon and the latter now looks likely to join the Newcastle star in the Premier League.

West Ham are leading the race for his signature and it was revealed earlier this week that they were discussing personal terms with Paqueta.

Earlier this month, Hammers boss David Moyes acknowledged that the market had been "very difficult" this summer:

“That transfer window has felt really long. That’s one thing,” Moyes said.

"There are players in the market who have really changed the price of the market, some clubs who have not been able to spend, others who have spent a ridiculous amount of money on people, it has been a very difficult.

“We found the agents very difficult and very, very expensive to do this side of the deal. So many things are adding to things now. would be a shock."

He added: "We bid for a lot of players and if I told you who you would laugh and say 'you're kidding'.

"Maybe we tried to go way above our station, but we tried to get really the best players because I knew we needed them."

Sky Sports report that West Ham's second offer for the Brazil international has been turned down.

They don't specify what the Hammers have offered, but Lyon 'would like more than 60 million euros' for their prized asset.

Paqueta's agents are 'staying in London' and West Ham are currently considering returning with an improved offer.

A separate report from Le Progres (via Sport Witness) added that Paqueta is "attracted" to a move to England.

But Lyon won't let him leave for "less than 50 to 70 million euros". The report adds that Lyon are "counting on" rivals West Ham to join the race, so there is a bidding war.