Rodri picked up a long-term injury back in September
Rodri picked up a long-term injury back in September
Pep Guardiola is urging Manchester City to pursue Bruno Guimaraes as they eye January reinforcements.
The champions are in danger of relinquishing their Premeir League crown for the first time in years unless they can find some blistering form from now until the end of the year. The absence of Rodri, who picked up an ACL injury in the opening weeks, has massively hampered their hopes.
The Spaniard is a key cog in midfield and Guardiola is looking for players who can fill the void in January. He is ready to renew his interest in Newcastle's lieutenant in the middle of the pitch having been keen on him back in the summer.
Then it was Guimaraes's £100million release clause that put off the Manchester outfit, but they're ready to try and tempt the Magpies in the New Year. Guimaraes has been at outstanding performer at St James' Park and City are willing to send Matheus Nunes in the other direction, reports the Daily Mail, to tempt those in the north east.
[
Chelsea and Man City discover Club World Cup opponents as draw for 32-team tournament made](https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/breaking-chelsea-mancity-club-world-34258347)
[
Kevin De Bruyne has his say on Pep Guardiola issues as he reveals real problem](https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/mancity-forest-debruyne-guardiola-injury-34251818)
Guimaraes, since joining Newcastle from Lyon, has been tipped to join a European heavyweight, but has so far remained loyal to Eddie Howe's side. He would command a sizeable fee, but City are hoping to offset some of that by negotiating a swap deal.
Rodri has said he hopes to be back before the end of the season, but Guardiola still faces months without his star man. He's already considering several players who can do a similar job so that City can look back to their old selves.
They recently snapped a run of seven games without a win but the Etihad outfit are still eyeing up the likes of Martin Zubimendi. Real Sociedad's Euro 2024 winner did his reputation no harm in the summer and was heavily linked with a move to Liverpool.
Bruno Guimaraes has been on the radar of several top clubs
Bruno Guimaraes has been on the radar of several top clubs
Guimaraes himself has underlined his desire to bring a trophy to Newcastle and said in the summer: "I can only say I am very happy to be here. These things (rumours) I can't control. But I am here and very happy. I hope they keep me here."
Newcastle were able to resist offers for their leading lights back in the summer, despite suggestions they needed to offload one of them to remain financially compliant. Guimaraes would be among the team's most expensive assets, alongside striker Alexander Isak.
Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.