Klopp orders ambitious £88m raid for ‘world class’ Newcastle man as report claims Liverpool eye successor to three ageing stars

Liverpool will reportedly package together a huge £88m offer to Newcastle to try and convince Eddie Howe’s side to part company with one of their most important players in Bruno Guimaraes – but any move appears fraught with problems.

The Reds finally seem to be on an upward trajectory once again, though their late run of form looks unlikely to win them a top-four finish. As it stands, they sit fifth in the table, having won their last four games and are now just seven points behind Manchester United in fourth.

However, they must hope the Red Devils slip up during the run-in if they are to have any hope of overhauling them.

Regardless of how the season plays out, Klopp is already drawing up plans for what he hopes will be a blockbuster summer. His Liverpool midfield has appeared rather leggy this season and the need to make several new additions is obvious.

Two spaces will be vacated by the exits of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Naby Keita. But Klopp reportedly wants five game-changing arrivals this summer with a number of positions to fill. To that end, Arthur Melo is also due to leave while doubts surround the long-term future of James Milner.

As a result, a report has recently identified the three midfielders who seemingly top Klopp’s wishlist. And while plans are being drawn up for the likes of Nicolo Barella and Mason Mount, a play for a third signing in Yunus Musah is also reportedly on the agenda.

However, reports from Spain now claim Klopp will only move for those targets if he fails to land the name now at the very top of his wanted list.

READ MORE ~ Euro Paper Talk: Liverpool target outstanding £165m triple midfielder coup

Liverpool ready to go big for Bruno Guimaraes

Indeed, it is claimed the Reds boss has huge admiration for Brazil midfielder Guimaraes.

The £40m signing of the 25-year-old from Lyon in January 2022 is arguably the best business Newcastle have done in years. He has played a major role in the transformation of the Tynesiders and is hugely-popular among their fans.

And such have been his displays for Newcastle that links to the likes of Real Madrid and PSG are rarely far away.

Indeed, the French giants are reportedly preparing a blockbuster move to bring him back to France this summer. And it is claimed they hugely regret their failure in trying to sign him once it became apparent Lyon were willing to sell.

As a result of his exceptional form, Newcastle are reportedly looking to reward Guimaraes with a new and improved deal. His current arrangement takes him to 2026. However, the Magpies seemingly want to extend that by another year and offer a bumper pay-hike to boot.

However, reports in Spain claim a clear and present danger to that plan is coming from Liverpool.

And it’s reported that Klopp has ordered Liverpool to piece together a £88m (€100m) offer to Newcastle to try and tempt them to sell.

That would see them more than double their initial investment. It could also present Howe with serious funds to strengthen his squad this summer.

Of course, Newcastle are not short of cash given they are owned by the disgustingly-wealthy Saudi Arabian funded PIF.

But FFP limitatations means they are unable to simply go out and spend beyond their means. The sale though of Guimaraes, though, would undoubtedly boost that capacity. As a result, it’s claimed Liverpool will at least ask the question of Newcastle to see what happens.

Guimaraes settled at Newcastle

Such has been his impact that it is claimed that Klopp sees him as a potential successor to all of Jordan Henderson, Fabinho and Thiago Alcantara rolled into one. He’s also been ranked ‘world class’ by Newcastle teammate Callum Wilson in the past.

However, any offer from Liverpool will likely to be laughed off by the Magpies.

Howe’s side have no intentions of selling a player, who has established himself as one of the world’s best.

And he will continue to play a leading role for the club in the years ahead. With a return to the Champions League almost secured, Newcastle’s spending capacity will significantly grow anyway.

And their efforts to tie Guimaraes down to a new deal were revealed by TEAMtalk back in March.

“Newcastle are pushing hard to agree terms with Bruno Guimaraes in the coming months,” our transfer insider Graeme Bailey said.

“He has been with the club for just over 12 months. 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.

“Newcastle insist that any new deal for Guimaraes is not because that Real Madrid are keeping tabs on him. But they are aware that his form would naturally attract other clubs.”

Bailey added: “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.”

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