Neymar Has Been Offered A Newcastle United Shirt Number

He is currently on £490,000-per-week at the Parc des Princes and few will be able to afford his mammoth wages. Newcastle could, however, and their growing Brazilian contingent are keen to recruit him.

Joelinton was joined by Bruno Guimaraes in January and the Magpies midfielder claims Guimaraes is already hard at work.

"The man is an idol, huge in world football, so the invitation is done. 

"Ney, if you are listening to this, you can come!"

The 25-year-old took it one step further and joked Toon hero Saint-Maximin would be happy to give his number up.

Joelinton continued: "The 10 shirt is waiting for him.

"I’ll send a message to Bruno. Bruno has his contact. He can send a message inviting Ney to play there.”

Newcastle were taken over by a Saudi-led consortium in October and are considered one of the richest sides in world football.

They were in the relegation zone when the takeover was completed, but finished 11th after replacing Steve Bruce with Eddie Howe and making a number of signings.

Howe has gone about strengthening his squad in the summer and sealed the permanent signing of Matt Targett from Aston Villa.

The Magpies have also signed goalkeeper Nick Pope from Burnley and Lille defender Sven Botman in recent days.

Howe explained back in May: "We want to try to bring the right players in, ones that are proud to wear the shirt and that can make a difference. Everyone wants to go quickly, that is very difficult to do.

"It is about smart decisions. We're well aware that we have to change the squad and we have to make improvements, but it's going to be a difficult balance."

A move for Reims forward Hugo Ekitike appears to have broken down after failing to come to terms with the 20-year-old's agent.

Newcastle start their season at home to newly promoted Nottingham Forest on August 6.