Man United and Newcastle could do shock transfer business this summer.placeholder image
Man United and Newcastle could do shock transfer business this summer. | Getty Images
Manchester United have been linked with a shock summer swoop for a Newcastle star - and a deal isn’t necessarily all that unlikely.
Manchester United are plotting a midfield rebuild this summer as they look to consolidate their status back as a Champions League outfit and challenge for trophies once again, be that under head coach Michael Carrick or otherwise.
The Red Devils are in a strong position to qualify for Europe’s premier club competition and their range of summer transfer targets reflect this, while focus for the moment remains on retaining consistency in order to secure their goal come May.
United spent over £200 million on attacking talent last summer and that has been reflected in their stronger return in front of goal this term. But with Casemiro expected to depart at the end of the season, several midfield replacements have been touted and multiple of those coming from elsewhere in the Premier League – specifically, in this case, from Newcastle United.
Man United have been linked with Bruno Guimarães - there is some truth to the rumours
Man United have been linked with a shock move for Newcastle captain Bruno Guimarães in recent weeks, and latest reports from TEAMtalk state that a meeting between the Old Trafford club and the player’s representatives has in fact taken place – though ‘advanced negotiations’ involving the club are said to be wide of the mark.
Reporting states that an €80m (£69m) move for Guimarães has been discussed by United and contact has been made with the player’s camp, amidst recent reports that the agents of both Guimarães and Sandro Tonali are aiming to secure a summer exit from St. James’ Park for their client.
Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano stated on his YouTube channel: “What I can confirm is that, yes, a meeting did take place in recent weeks. It wasn’t held yesterday, today or tomorrow, but rather a few weeks ago between Guimarães’ representatives and Manchester United.
“The information from Brazil is accurate: a meeting was held, and United maintain a good relationship with the agency. As I mentioned in a video earlier this week, Bruno Guimarães is admired by Manchester United, yes, but so too is Tonali, and other players are on the list, including Elliot Anderson.”
Why a summer swoop for Guimarães might not be impossible
The truth is that while a summer move to a Premier League rival for Guimarães might seem unlikely at present, it is not as impossible as it seems. The fact that the player’s agents appear to be facilitating talks with other clubs only adds fuel to this fire.
Newcastle’s recent run-ins with PSR have been well documented and if the Magpies do ultimately finish outside the European spots this season, which currently appears likely, they might be forced to sell a big-name star in order to balance the books. Guimarães would certainly fit this bill, and at 28 years old, he is a more senior option than others such as Tonali and Anthony Gordon. But while the Brazilian would raise substantial funds, the club would be extremely reluctant to part ways with their captain.
From a Red Devils perspective, Guimarães could be just the player they need. He is a natural leader in midfield, capable of strong defensive displays and recently increased goalscoring numbers at the other end – the Brazil international could provide the perfect replacement in both facets for his international team-mate Casemiro. Newcastle will do all they can to prevent this summer move from going ahead, but if the player is already keen to depart then anything can still happen.
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