Barcelona are plotting an audacious swoop for Newcastle United midfielder Bruno Guimaraes, according to The Times.
The 25-year-old only joined the Magpies in the January transfer window but has repeatedly been linked with a move away from St. James’ Park.
Guimaraes has been a transformative influence in the middle of the park since joining Eddie Howe’s side.
The Brazilian has racked up four goals and five assists in 31 appearances across all competitions to help Newcastle to their first Champions League berth in two decades.
His impressive displays has attracted interest from Barca, who are plotting a mega-money swoop to lure him to Spotify Camp Nou this summer.
The La Liga champions have added a holding midfielder to their extensive transfer shortlist, with Sergio Busquets set to exit the club when his contract runs out at the end of the season.
Guimaraes signed for Newcastle in a €60 million deal from Olympique Lyonnais, but the Catalan giants believe Newcastle can be persuaded to sell for around €100 million.
Barca are not the only European heavyweights monitoring Guimaraes’ development, with Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain also credited with an interest.
Newcastle are aware of the growing interest in their star midfielder and have already opened talks with the player’s representatives over an improved contract.
Guimaraes has already expressed a desire to remain with the Tyneside club, so they are relaxed over his long-term future.
However, they are preparing a new deal that will see the Brazilian take home around £200,000 per week.
Guimaraes is not the only midfielder on Barca’s radar, with the Blaugranas also planning a raid on Premier League champions Manchester City amid interest in Bernardo Silva and Ilkay Gundogan.
Man City are unwilling to budge on their €100m valuation of Silva, but Barca could poach Gundogan on a free transfer if he decides to move on from the Etihad Stadium when his contract runs out this summer.
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