Liverpool have made contact with Newcastle over a potential move for Bruno Guimaraes.
The Reds are set to bolster their squad this summer and at least one new midfielder is expected to come in following the departures of James Milner, Naby Keita, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Arthur. Jurgen Klopp has been left with four senior midfielders and he is ready to strengthen in that position.
Guimaraes, 25, has emerged as a top target. The Brazilian has impressed for Newcastle since his big-money move from Lyon 18 months ago and was part of the Magpies side that reached the Champions League. He missed just six matches last season and played an integral role in their fourth-place finish.
Now, according to GOAL, Liverpool have opened talks over Guimaraes and want to sign the midfielder. Barcelona are also keen on the Brazil international, who could be available for £87million. Guimaraes has three years' left to run on his current deal at St James' Park following his £33m switch last January.
But Newcastle do not want to sell Guimaraes. They understand that he has improved during his time on Tyneside and are keen to hand him an improved deal - which would make him one of the most-paid players in the Premier League. He is currently earning around £120,000 per-week at the Magpies.
Newcastle have been warned about interest from Liverpool and Barcelona and may have to stand firm should they want to keep one of their most prized assets. Speaking on his future last month, Guimaraes told talkSPORT: "I feel at home here. I'm very happy to be here to be playing and be part of this giant club's story.
"For me it's important and everyone knows how much I like the club, the fans, the support. For me, it's like having something to remember my country [Brazil]."
Guimaraes started his career at Audax, before moving to Athletico Paranaese and then Lyon in 2019. He earned himself a move to Newcastle in January 2020 and has since made 57 appearances, scoring 10 goals. Guimaraes has become a real fans' favourite on Tyneside and the supporters adore him.
As for Liverpool, the Reds have also been linked with a move for French midfielder Khephren Thuram. As per L'Equipe, Klopp's men are also pushing to secure the services of the 22-year-old. He has impressed in the middle of the park for Sir Jim Ratcliffe's Nice this season, making 48 appearances, scoring twice.
Thuram, who is the son of France legend Lillian and brother of fellow Liverpool target Marcus, is a destructive midfielder who can operate from box-to-box. Thuram's performances earned him with a place in the Ligue 1 Team of the Year alongside Kylian Mbappe and Lionel Messi.
