Manchester City are reportedly reigniting their interest in Newcastle United midfielder Bruno Guimaraes as they prepare for the potential departure of Kevin De Bruyne.
The Belgian’s contract is set to expire at the end of the season, marking the end of a trophy-laden ten-year stint at the Etihad Stadium.
His departure leaves a significant gap that City will need to fill.
While Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz remains a dream target and Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Morgan Gibbs-White has emerged as a possible alternative, there have even been rumors linking City with Newcastle’s Sandro Tonali.
However, according to UOL, Guimaraes is once again under consideration by the Premier League champions.
City’s admiration for the Brazilian international is not new. Last summer, they were heavily linked with a move for Bruno Guimaraes when a £100m release clause in his contract became active.
Guimaraes has also admitted to having discussions with City boss Pep Guardiola, with both parties expressing mutual respect in the past.
Despite the ongoing interest, City’s pursuit of the 27-year-old midfielder is not yet advanced.
Negotiations have not been initiated as the club continues to assess the market and monitor potential changes leading up to the summer transfer window.
Newcastle, for their part, are reluctant to part ways with their key players, including £150m-rated striker Alexander Isak.
The Magpies’ chances of keeping their star assets will be bolstered if they secure a spot in next season’s Champions League, a prospect they are well-positioned for, even before the Premier League’s extra qualification spot was introduced.
It is believed that Guimaraes will once again be available for his £100m release clause.
However, this figure currently remains too high for City, who are aware that they need to strengthen several positions across the pitch.
Full-back and goalkeeper are priority areas, and much will depend on how many players are sold as part of what is expected to be a significant squad overhaul.
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