Liverpool are reportedly interested in Newcastle United midfielder Bruno Guimaraes and are said to have made an enquiry to the player’s representatives earlier this summer.
While much of Liverpool’s transfer business has focused elsewhere so far, strengthening the midfield remains a priority.
The Reds have previously been linked with Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton, although that interest appears to have cooled, while Lille teenager Ayyoub Bouaddi and Bournemouth’s Alex Scott have also emerged as potential targets.
According to journalist Ben Jacobs, Liverpool have made initial contact regarding Bruno Guimaraes as they continue to assess midfield options ahead of the new season.
In an interview with The Redmen TV, Ben Jacobs said: “There was an initial enquiry on the player side with Bruno Guimaraes. “We know in the last 24/48 hours, Arsenal are the ones that have actually put a number over his head.
“Liverpool just did what Manchester United did months back rather than now, they spoke with the agent, and that was it. So I’m not aware that they’re progressing there either.”
It is not uncommon for clubs to sound out a player’s representatives before making an approach, and Guimaraes is unlikely to be the only midfielder Liverpool have enquired about this summer.
According to reports, Arsenal recently had a verbal offer worth less than £60m rejected, with Newcastle insisting their captain is not for sale.
At 28, Guimaraes would bring experience, leadership and physicality to Liverpool’s midfield. He is capable of winning the ball, progressing play and operating effectively as a box-to-box midfielder, making him an attractive option for the Reds.
Bruno Guimaraes offers a blend of qualities that can make him feel like two players in one, but he turns 29 in November, which is somewhat at odds with Liverpool’s usual transfer strategy of targeting younger profiles with long-term resale value.
Read more: Egypt handed major injury worry with Mohamed Salah set to undergo scan
Liverpool offered encouraging fitness update on Victor Munoz