REAL MADRID are reportedly readying a swoop for Newcastle star Bruno Guimaraes.
The 26-year-old Brazilian midfielder moved to St. James’ Park in January 2022 for £35m and has become one of Europe’s most sought-after players.
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The former Lyon ace has scored 13 goals and assisted another 13 in 96 appearances for the Magpies.
And we revealed earlier this month how Guimaraes is now attracting interest from a host of teams across the continent.
He remains under contract with Newcastle until 2028 after signing an extension earlier this season.
However, that deal reportedly includes a £100m release clause on the star’s own insistence.
Now talkSPORT claims that Eddie Howe and the Toon “are bracing themselves for Real Madrid to step up interest” this summer.
They claim that the LaLiga giants had scouts watching him in last week’s 2-0 FA Cup quarter final loss to Manchester City.
Guimaraes also allegedly has a “burning desire” to be playing regularly in the Champions League.
He did achieve that on Tyneside before theory group stage exit this term, but Newcastle will need a miraculous turn of results to qualify for it again next season.
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The Magpies are also looking at the prospect of having to offload a star name in order to help them remain on the right side of Premier League spending rules.
And any figure they receive close to his release clause would result in a huge profit on the Samba ace.
Newcastle are currently 10th in the Premier League and out of all cup competitions, something Guimaraes has admitted has left him “disappointed” when quizzed about the campaign this week.
Ahead of Brazil’s clash with England at Wembley, he said: “This season we have been struggling.
“I think we’ve had many problems with injuries and suspensions but this is part of the process. When I signed for the club I knew that this would happen.
“Things have happened too quickly. During my two years at the club, we reached a final, unfortunately, we didn’t win but we got there after 20 years which was massive for the club.”
When he was asked about Newcastle having to sell in order to meet PSR rules, Guimaraes said: “I don’t know. I am not involved in that.
“We never know what is going to happen but I’m happy at the club. Of course, I’m disappointed about our season but I think we still have a chance to finish at least seventh, Europa League or Conference League.
“But about the club staff, I cannot speak too much. I don’t know what is going to happen in the future but what I can say is I am so grateful for Newcastle.”
