Manchester United are looking for a replacement for Casemiro ahead of his summer departure
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Man United and Real Madrid are both keen on Bruno Guimaraes (second right)open image in gallery
Man United and Real Madrid are both keen on Bruno Guimaraes (second right) (Getty)
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Manchester United are in advanced talks to sign Newcastle United captain Bruno Guimaraes for a fee in the region of €80m (£69m), though renewed interest from Real Madrid threatens to derail the proposed move, sources close to the negotiations have told Reuters.
Newcastle's Champions League exit at the hands of Barcelona on Wednesday night has opened the door for the Brazilian midfielder's departure.
United are eyeing the 28-year-old as a direct replacement for Casemiro, who is set to depart the club this summer. Indeed, Casemiro himself is said to have personally endorsed Guimaraes as his ideal successor, highlighting his experience and leadership qualities.
Early indications suggested a mutual interest could pave a smoother path towards an agreement.
However, Real Madrid's sudden re-entry into the fray appears to have significantly altered the landscape. Guimaraes has been a long-standing target for the Spanish giants, with their interest dating back to Carlo Ancelotti's previous tenure.
Man United are looking to replace Casemiroopen image in gallery
Man United are looking to replace Casemiro (Getty Images)
Ancelotti had previously recommended him three years ago as a potential successor to midfield stalwarts Luka Modric and Toni Kroos, and the player came close to making the switch.
That proposed move, earmarked for the summer of 2022, was ultimately scuppered when Newcastle tabled a bid of nearly €50m (£43m) in January 2022 to prise him from Olympique Lyonnais, effectively thwarting Real's ambitions and bringing him to the North East instead.
Now, four years later, Real are once again closely monitoring Guimaraes amid reports of Eduardo Camavinga's imminent departure and their ongoing search for a commanding midfield presence next season.
Ancelotti, who now coaches Guimaraes for the Brazilian national team, has reiterated his backing for the move to his former club and trusted president Florentino Perez, suggesting the midfielder possesses precisely what Real Madrid currently require.
With United keen to finalise a deal and Real circling once more, Guimaraes could well find himself at the heart of a significant transfer tug-of-war as the next window looms.