Manchester United close in on talks for Brazilian midfield star - but face competition from a European giant ready to swoop in and get there first.
Even though the 25/26 season has not yet ended, we are already seeing Manchester United linked with several names ahead of the summer transfer window.
For example, the likes of Elliot Anderson of Nottingham Forest and Adam Wharton of Crystal Palace have been mentioned a number of times. So too has Sandro Tonali of Newcastle United.
The latter is not the only Newcastle player to have been mentioned either. In fact, he isn’t the only Newcastle midfielder to have been brought up in recent transfer discussion.
Indeed not, as Bruno Guimaraes has also been touted for a move to Old Trafford. He was also recently recommend by compatriot and international team mate Casemiro as his long term successor.
Well, things may be more advanced than we thought. According to journalist Fernando Kallas, United are in “advanced talks” to sign Guimaraes for around 80 million Euros.
However, he does caveat that renewed interest from Spanish giants Real Madrid threatens to complicate a proposed move to United.
Currently, the 28-year old has a contract in the North East that is set to expire in 2028. So, whilst the situation isn't absolutely urgent, it is not ideal for a star player to enter the final two years of their deal, which puts them in a difficult spot financially.
In terms of profile, Guimaraes is a very technical midfielder, capable of scoring goals and providing assists. So far this season, he is Newcastle's top scorer and top assister in the Premier League, despite having been sidelined through injury since February.
However, he is not the most athletic player in the world. At Newcastle, it is the aforementioned Tonali and Joelinton that do a lot of the ground eating in that midfield.
Although he is no doubt a very good player, partnering him with Kobbie Mainoo may not be the best fit, with the two players not too dissimilar in terms of their profile on and off the ball.
Interestingly, the Newcastle number 39 is not the only Brazilian the club have been linked with this week, with Wolves midfielder Joao Gomes reportedly being closely monitored by United and Liverpool.
Although you'd say he is not as good as his compatriot at Newcastle, the 25-year old is certainly more athletic and thus perhaps a better fit for United and what they need at the moment - but we shall have to wait and see what happens.