Forget PSG! Chelsea & Man Utd face bigger Guimaraes threat

Real Madrid have been scouting Bruno Guimaraes, according to a report.

The Newcastle midfielder is one of Europe’s most in-demand players and interest in his services is only increasing in light of the Magpies’ disappointing season. According to HITC, the Brazilian is frustrated with the situation at Newcastle and could potentially look for an exit.

Indeed, it is believed that Eddie Howe’s side will have to sacrifice players in the summer to balance the books and star midfielder Guimaraes is one of the prime candidates to help alleviate the club’s Financial Fair Play concerns. The 26-year-old is believed to have a €117 million release clause in his contract.

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PSG hold a long-standing interest in Guimaraes. More recently, the likes of Chelsea, Man Utd and Man City have burst into the race. The Blues reportedly really like his profile, while Red Devils-bound sporting director Dan Ashworth is a big admirer of the Brazilian he saw up close during his time with the Magpies.

Pep Guardiola’s interest, meanwhile, was exclusively revealed by FootballTransfers, with a report in Spain subsequently claiming that contact over a potential summer move has now been made.

Real Madrid also keen

According to the above-mentioned HITC report, Real Madrid and PSG scouts were in attendance to watch Guimaraes in Newcastle’s humbling 2-0 loss to Man City in the FA Cup at the weekend.

Los Blancos will face City in the Champions League quarter-finals, but the report asserts that the ‘primary focus’ of the Spaniards was to see the Brazilian midfielder in action rather than to keep an eye on Guardiola’s men.

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With veterans Luka Modric and Toni Kroos facing uncertain futures at the Santiago Bernabeu, Guimaraes could become a credible target for Carlo Ancelotti and company despite the wealth of options currently at the Italian’s disposal.