Unthinkable Newcastle exit accelerates, as ‘world class’ Liverpool target enters talks over £88m move
A crippling Newcastle exit involving Liverpool target Bruno Guimaraes is taking shape, with a report revealing a club are preparing to ‘break the market’ to sign the Brazilian.
Guimaraes, 25, has been everything Newcastle fans could’ve hoped for and more since his £40m arrival from Lyon 17 months ago.
The Brazil international is Eddie Howe’s midfield maestro and is the player that makes the Magpies tick. Plans are also understood to be afoot over signing an out-and-out holding midfielder that’ll free up Guimaraes to assume more of a box-to-box role next year.
However, Guimaraes’ stellar displays for Newcastle have not gone unnoticed.
Indeed, reports recently emerged of Liverpool sizing up Guimaraes. The Reds are in desperate need of a midfield overhaul this summer and Jurgen Klopp is understood to be a huge admirer of Guimaraes.
As such, the German boss has reportedly ordered Liverpool chiefs to piece together a package worth £88m to bring Guimaraes to Anfield.
News on that front has since gone quiet, with Liverpool’s interest seemingly taken up by Alexis Mac Allister at present.
Now, according to a fresh Spanish report, Liverpool could be beaten to the punch for Guimaraes by PSG.
The French giant harbour regrets over not moving for a player they saw up close and personal while at Lyon.
PSG’s interest in Guimaraes is understood to have maintained over the ensuing 17 months and per the report (as cited by Goal), they’re moving to rectify their mistake.
PSG open talks with Newcastle ace
It’s claimed PSG have entered into discussions with Guimaraes and his representatives ahead of a blockbuster summer switch.
PSG’s interest is being emboldened by the notion many of their current midfield options – such as Marco Verratti – could leave Paris at season’s end.
Guimaraes is seen as the perfect player to build a new-look midfield around, though Newcastle won’t make life easy.
It’s noted Eddie Howe’s side are extremely reluctant to part ways with a player who is instrumental to everything they do well. Champions League football is also on the horizon at St. James’ Park and Guimaraes’ class will be vital if they’re to have a strong showing.
However, the report adds a bid north of €100m (approx. £88m) might be enough to convince Newcastle to cash in. That would represent more than double their initial outlay and would allow Howe to attack the summer window with greater gusto.
PSG are reportedly so enamoured with Guimaraes that they’re prepared to ‘break the market’ and ‘go to great lengths’ for the player.
Whether they’re able to convince Newcastle and Guimaraes remains to be seen, but per TEAMtalk’s information, any official bids are likely to fall on deaf ears.
Guimaraes can become Newcastle top earner
Indeed, speaking to TEAMtalk back in March, transfer insider Graeme Bailey told us Guimaraes looks set to remain on Tyneside for the long haul.
“Newcastle are pushing hard to agree terms with Bruno Guimaraes in the coming months,” said Bailey.
“He has been with the club for just over 12 month [at the time]. But few players in recent years have made a bigger impact in the Premier League than him.
“Guimaraes’ form has been brilliant and Newcastle’s hierarchy realise that and they want to reward him. Their pay structure is solid and that will remain. But somebody has to be at the top of it and that will be Bruno in the near future.”
Bailey went on to add: “The player is very happy in Newcastle.
“He’s started a family, and he and the club are on the same page when it comes to his future.”
