Sources: Liverpool handed major boost by Real Madrid in Jude Bellingham chase
Real Madrid have handed Liverpool a major boost in their pursuit of Jude Bellingham by turning their attention towards Newcastle United midfielder Bruno Guimaraes, sources have told Football Insider.
Madrid have been considered among the frontrunners to sign the 19-year-old Borussia Dortmund midfielder.
Football Insider sources revealed in January that Bellingham has stalled on signing a new contract with Dortmund as he gears up for a big-money summer move.
However, it is understood that Madrid have made Guimaraes a top priority for the summer transfer window, with the La Liga giants wanting a midfield overhaul to replace the ageing duo of Toni Kroos and Luka Modric.
While the Spanish club are huge admirers of Bellingham, they consider Guimaraes a cheaper option than the England international.
Newcastle are desperate to keep hold of the Brazilian and Football Insider sources revealed that the Tyneside club are set to open talks with Guimaraes over a new contract.
Newcastle see Guimaraes as a key part of their project and would only consider negotiations over a transfer if talks started around the £70-80million mark.
Guimaraes only joined the Premier League side in January 2022 after a £40million move from Lyon, but he's impressed at St James' Park during his first year at the club and caught the eye of scouts around Europe.
Should Madrid opt to prioritise Guimaraes ahead of Bellingham this summer, Jurgen Klopp's side will be firm favourites to land the Bundesliga star ahead of rivals Man City and Chelsea.
Bellingham has made 30 appearances across all competitions for Dortmund this season and scored 10 goals and registered six assists.