Liverpool encouraged to explore Bruno Guimaraes deal, he's 'better than Elliot Anderson'
Manchester City and Liverpool have been encouraged to explore a move for Newcastle United midfielder Bruno Guimaraes this summer.
The Citizens are currently locked in negotiations with Nottingham Forest to sign Elliot Anderson, in a deal that is expected to break the Premier League's transfer record.
Former Aston Villa, Everton and Tottenham scout Bryan King exclusively told Football Insider that the Brazilian should be the man they are looking at, however.
Guimares, 28, is under contract at Newcastle until 2028, and is the captain and a key part of Eddie Howe's team.
But with the Magpies having missed out on any form of European football, the Brazil international may well be considering his future.
Man City are also reportedly interested in Newcastle midfielder Sandro Tonali, with Tottenham also in the mix.
Bryan King tips Man City for Bruno Guimaraes move
Guimares suffered an injury-hit season, making just 29 Premier League appearances for Newcastle.
Of the the nine he missed, the Magpies lost six and won just two, with his importance clear for all to see.
The 28-year-old has long been considered among the Premier League's best midfielders, but Newcastle have managed to resist all potential offers so far.
This summer could see Guimaraes finally push for an exit himself, however, which would leave decision-makers at St James' Park in a difficult situation.
"The boy that always impresses me is the Brazilian boy at Newcastle, the captain," King told Football Insider. "I think he's a good player, he is a good footballer.
"I could see him causing interest from Man City or Liverpool or Arsenal even. In front, I think he's a better bet than Anderson. If I was going to bring a player into my football club, I'd sooner bring him in than Anderson.
"I think Anderson's been hyped up a little bit too much for me. He's a good Premier League player. I ain't sure whether he's a good international player. Believe me, if anybody pays 130 million for him, then football's gone mad."
Newcastle face rocky Guimares situation
With Guimaraes' contract due to expire in 2028, Newcastle are facing the point of no return.
Should the midfielder opt against signing a new contract, this summer would present the best chance the Magpies have of attracting a sizable fee.
Leave it another year, and Guimaraes will have just one year until he can leave for free, forcing Newcastle into accepting a lighter fee.
The Brazilian was reportedly in negotiations over a new deal, but an agreement does not yet appear to be close.
The problem facing Newcastle and Howe, however, is that several other key players are also set to leave.