Liverpool have shown ‘concrete interest’ in Bruno Guimaraes as Premier League rivals Newcastle United look to tie their Brazil international down to a new long-term contract, according to TNT Sport.
The former Lyon playmaker – a £33 million January signing – is still, relatively speaking, a new face at St James’ Park. But just eight months after touching down on Tyneside, he is already in line to become the best-paid player in Newcastle’s history.
Per Goal, the Magpies could offer Guimaraes a new and improved deal worth £200,000-a-week. There is, of course, still four years remaining on the contract he signed at the start of 2022.
But Newcastle are leaving nothing for chance, fully aware of the growing interest in a man who could conceivably claim to be the Premier League’s most consistent central midfielder so far this term.
Liverpool, Chelsea and Real Madrid eye Bruno Guimaraes
Liverpool, TNT Sport say, have made their admiration for Guimaraes known. As have Chelsea and Real Madrid. Liverpool are reportedly waiting to see how contract talks between the 24-year-old and Newcastle progress, with Jurgen Klopp putting a high-quality midfielder – a la Guimaraes, Enzo Fernandez or Jude Bellingham – right at the top of his transfer wishlist.
Guimaraes, who turned down Arsenal and Juventus before joining Newcastle for a now-bargain fee of £33 million, has been labelled a ‘world-class’ talent by team-mate Dan Burn.
“He was superb,” Magpies legend Shearer told Match of the Day after Guimaraes orchestrated August’s 2-0 victory over Nottingham Forest..
“The way he handles that ball under pressure and is able to ping that ball into the forward players, he’s so comfortable on the ball. “His weight of pass was superb and the way he controlled that midfield.
“He never looks flustered. Newcastle have got a really, really talented player there and the fans love him – and rightly so. I thought he was absolutely magnificent.”
Newcastle love Bruno Guimaraes and Bruno Guimaraes loves Newcastle
Fortunately for Eddie Howe, the admiration goes both ways. Guimaraes has taken to life in the North East like the proverbial duck to water. And it would take a very special offer to turn his head after just 12 months in black-and-white.
“It’s a dream come true to be playing in the Premier League. The fans are crazy about me and nothing beats that in football,” Guimaraes tells FourFourTwo.
“Honestly, I get so much love out on the streets. Sometimes it feels like I’m the mayor of the city! They spot me and start yelling my name, wanting to take a picture. I’ve met people who’ve got a tattoo with my face on!
“It’s nuts. That’s the love fans have. It’s damn good to play in a place like this.”
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