Liverpool could sign Bruno Guimaraes for just £32m this summer after transfer clause confirmed

Liverpool have been offered an encouraging update regarding a possible transfer deal for Newcastle United midfielder, Bruno Guimaraes.

The Brazilian is a player the Reds are huge admirers of, as previously reported by the ECHO, though a deal for Guimaraes was viewed as somewhat of a non-starter earlier this year.

Things may well have changed on that front following news Newcastle have reported losses of £73.4million earlier this week when announcing their latest financial results. There is now the real possibility the Magpies may be forced to sell one of their prized assets in order to ease concerns over Financial Fair Play.

Guimaraes could be one player sacrificed by the club as they attempt to raise funds during the summer transfer window, as much as they would love to keep him as part of their first-team squad.

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A report from AS on the player's future indicated the former Lyon star "agreed" to a release clause in his contract worth €115million (£98m), which is payable in three instalments of €38m (£32m).

The existence of the clause is something that was confirmed by Guimaraes' manager Eddie Howe ahead of last weekend's clash with Sheffield United.

"Having that [release clause] was well planned and structured by the club," he said. "We don’t want constant speculation, it’s not healthy for the player or for us. It goes without saying we want to keep him, I want to build our team around him.

"His form has been very good and he seems very happy and settled. He’ll be thinking about a very busy summer ahead, where hopefully we can take the team - with him a big part of it. But we aren’t in control of that so let’s see."

The article from AS adds Guimaraes is one of the players the Newcastle board have chosen to help them "settle accounts" and there is no restriction on Premier League teams activating his exit valuation.

In addition to Liverpool, Paris Saint-Germain are listed as one of the clubs eyeing the 26-year-old and are "expected to return to attack again next summer". Barcelona and Chelsea are also mentioned as two possible destinations.

Guimaraes signed a new contract with the Toon Army back in October, keeping him at St James' Park until 2028. Speaking at the time of this agreement being reached, Newcastle boss Eddie Howe said: "I'm delighted to get Bruno signed and committed to the long-term future of the football club. He's such an important player and he's done so well since he joined the club. He's been a huge success since he's been here so I just hope that he can continue in that vein and carry on his success with us."