Advanced talks underway: Trusted journo drops bombshell as Man Utd directly vying with Madrid for £70m PL stalwart

Manchester United have accelerated their pursuit of Newcastle United midfield general Bruno Guimaraes and are now in advanced negotiations aimed at securing the Brazil international before the summer window intensifies, according to Reuters journalist Fernando Kallas, the same reporter who first revealed Guimaraes’ switch from Lyon to Tyneside in 2022.

Sources indicate that discussions have reached a critical stage, with United hoping to finalise a deal worth in the region of €80 million (£69.2 million) — a fee that would represent a £29 million profit on the figure Newcastle paid for the 28-year-old little more than four years ago. The proposed outlay underlines Erik ten Hag’s determination to reinforce the engine room, particularly with veteran enforcer Casemiro expected to depart Old Traffern upon the expiry of his contract in June.

Real Madrid remain firmly in the hunt, however, and Newcastle would privately favour selling the influential South American to the Spanish giants rather than strengthening a direct Premier League rival. Yet the player’s personal wishes could prove decisive; having seen Newcastle exit the Champions League at the group stage and languish in ninth place domestically, Guimaraes is open to remaining in England provided a fresh challenge is presented.

Casemiro has already signalled his approval, personally recommending Guimaraes to United’s hierarchy after the pair forged an effective partnership at international level. The Magpies skipper is renowned for his ability to dictate tempo, break up opposition moves and drive forward with the ball — attributes United believe can re-energise a midfield that has at times looked pedestrian this season.

Parallel interest in Newcastle team-mate Sandro Tonali further complicates matters for the North-East club. Representatives of the Italian have confirmed that Champions League football is pivotal to his future, and a failure to qualify for Europe’s elite competition could trigger an exodus that would leave manager Eddie Howe scrambling to rebuild his core.

With negotiations ongoing and multiple parties jockeying for position, the coming weeks promise to shape the landscape of next season’s title race on both sides of the Channel.