Man Utd Close in on £69m Bruno Guimaraes Transfer as Newcastle Face Summer Decision
Ben McAleer
Manchester United are in advanced negotiations to sign Newcastle captain Bruno Guimaraes for £69m this summer, according to Reuters.
United are expected to revamp their midfield in the off season as they gear up for the departure of Casemiro and potential exit of Manuel Ugarte.
The Manchester giants had been credited with an interest in Brighton’s Carlos Baleba last summer only for the transfer to fail to materialise as the Seagulls demanded in excess of £100m for the Cameroon international.
United targeting Premier League midfielders
Baleba has again been linked with a move to Old Trafford, as has Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson and Crystal Palace star Adam Wharton.
However, Guimaraes has since emerged as a top target for the Premier League powerhouse in their bid to strengthen in the middle of the park.
Newcastle would be reluctant to cash in on the Brazil international, who is currently sidelined with a hamstring injury that has ruled him out of the weekend’s meeting with rivals Sunderland.
The Magpies’ early Champions League elimination at the hands of Barcelona in the round-of-16 may force Newcastle’s hand, with Eddie Howe’s side unlikely to secure a European finish this season.
Real Madrid monitoring Magpies star
United would need to act swiftly in order to land Guimaraes, though, with La Liga side Real Madrid reportedly keen on the former Lyon man.
The Spanish outfit are also expected to refresh their midfield in the summer, with Guimaraes emerging as a top target for Alvaro Arbeloa’s side.
Real Madrid are set to cash in on Frenchman Eduardo Camavinga later this year, which would free up a squad space and help fund a move for Guimaraes.
United looking to boost Champions League hopes
United return to league action on Friday night as they face Bournemouth in their bid to firm up their Champions League pursuit.
Michael Carrick’s side now sit three points clear of fourth-placed Aston Villa following their 3-1 win over the Villans last weekend.
