Real Madrid look armed and ready to hijack another of Chelsea's midfield transfer plans ahead of January. Aurelien Tchouameni was heavily linked with a move to Stamford Bridge in the summer, but due to the Blues' reluctancy to wrap up a deal early, the Spanish giants swooped in and signed the 22-year-old instead while Chelsea went through a takeover process.
The west Londoners have been left to rue the decision not to sign the midfielder, with N'Golo Kante and Jorginho set to leave the club once their deals expire at the end of the season. With Graham Potter in the market for reinforcements, Chelsea have expressed an interest in Newcastle United star Bruno Guimaraes, according to the Evening Standard.
However, Todd Boehly is said to face great competition for the Brazil international from Los Blancos, who are also eyeing a move. The 24-year-old joined the Magpies in the summer for £40million and have will have four years remaining his on his deal in the summer.
READ MORE: Todd Boehly can sign perfect 'Didier Drogba heir' if Chelsea win £40m transfer race with Man Utd
The report adds that Newcastle are preparing talks to extend the Brazilian's contract amid the growing interest in Guimaraes. The Evening Standard states that he's set to receive an increased £200,000-a-week deal.
It's believed that the consortium led by Todd Boehly have a good relationship with Newcastle's owners, which could prove to be a huge advantage over Madrid. The Magpies' co-owner Amanda Staveley was spotted in the stands at Stamford Bridge for Chelsea's clash with Tottenham in August.
The ChronicleLive state that Staveley and her husband Mehrdad Ghodoussi spoke with Blues co-owner Behdad Eghbali before the London derby. It remains to be seen whether said chat will hold any leverage in the coming months as Guimaraes courts more and more interest.
Amid a somewhat uncertain future at St James' Park, Danny Murphy has encouraged Newcastle to act swiftly amid talks over a new deal for the Brazilian. Speaking to talkSPORT, the former Liverpool midfielder said: "Bruno Guimaraes, what a player. Honestly. Nail him down [to a new contract].
"He's got everything. He's really, really tenacious, he's clever on the ball in brave areas, he can see a pass, and he can score. The only thing with him when you look at how you're going to set up is whether you play him in the deeper role to get you playing or do you let him have more licence because he can score a goal.
"It's a great dilemma to have, but he has been their number one signing. There have been other good performances and good signings, but he has been their main man."
READ NEXT:
Two youngsters primed to be in Chelsea's Champions League squad versus Dinamo Zagreb
Every confirmed team Chelsea can face in Champions League Round of 16 amid Graham Potter debut
Wilfried Zaha handed honest Chelsea, Arsenal and Tottenham transfer verdict amid £13m dilemma
Xabi Alonso gives Chelsea their next star as writing is on the wall for Christian Pulisic
Chelsea news and transfers LIVE: All the latest news, rumours and gossip from Stamford Bridge
