Manchester City remain interested in signing Newcastle United midfielder Bruno Guimaraes this summer.
Since joining the Tyneside club back in January 2022 in a deal worth a total fee of £40 million ($51m), the Brazilian has racked up 107 appearances in all competitions. The 26-year-old has also chipped in with 17 goals and 16 assists, making himself a firm fan favourite along the way.
Earlier in the transfer window, Guimaraes had a £100 million ($130m) release clause, but even though that clause has now expired, City's interest in the player remains unfazed amid reports that Kevin de Bruyne has agreed personal terms with Saudi Pro League side Al-Ittihad.
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The Magpies value the Brazilian playmaker at £100 million, but the reigning Premier League champions are hopeful of landing his services for around £80 million ($103m) and are now willing to loan two promising players – Oscar Bobb and Rico Lewis – to the Magpies in a bid to sweeten the deal, as per the Daily Star (via Sky Sports).
The report adds that Bobb and Lewis are both subjects of interest from Newcastle, so if the Citizens formally make the offer for Guimaraes, the possibility of either being involved in a swap deal could be explored further.
Neither player is on the market for a permanent sale this summer, as they are viewed as important to the club's long-term plan. In the immediate future, though, head coach Pep Guardiola might consider letting one of them go in his pursuit to strengthen the central midfield for the upcoming campaign, the report adds.
It remains to be seen whether Manchester City can convince Newcastle to sell Guimaraes this summer.