Lyon midfielder Bruno Guimaraes undergoing Newcastle medical | OneFootball

Newcastle United are finalising their signing of Lyon midfielder Bruno Guimaraes.

The Athletic reports the Brazilian is undergoing a medical in Ecuador ahead of a £30million move to St James' Park.

Head coach Eddie Howe has identified the holding midfield role as a priority position and there is hope of concluding a deal with the cash-strapped French club.

Talks have advanced over the past 24 hours with the Magpies offering Guimaraes a substantial pay rise in a bid to lure him to Tyneside this January transfer window.

The 24-year-old is currently undergoing a medical in Ecuador - where he is situated with the Brazilian national team - as he inches closer to a move to Newcastle.

A long-time target for Arsenal and Juventus, Guimaraes has been expecting bids to arrive this week but Lyon's asking price - believed to be £30m - had been beyond most.

Newcastle have sensed an opportunity and are proposing a bid to tempt Lyon who need the cash but must also pay a 20 percent sell on to his previous club Athletico Paranaense.