Man City can hand Man United £60m transfer blow in Bruno Guimaraes pursuit

Newcastle United are reportedly growing increasingly worried that Manchester City might table an 'irrestible' offer for their star Bruno Guimaraes, a move that could not only strip the Magpies of a key player but also send a significant blow to their neighbours Manchester United.

The club has openly expressed caution in their transfer dealings due to the Premier League's Profit and Sustainability regulations, which have restricted Newcastle's spending power despite the influx of funds from their Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund owners.

Yet, this restraint may be lifted if City trigger the reported £100 million release clause in Guimaraes' contract, a scenario the Northern Echo suggests is becoming more probable in Newcastle's view. City manager Pep Guardiola, who is on the hunt for a long-term midfield ally for Rodri, praised Guimaraes back in March, saying: "He is an exceptional holding midfielder.

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"He is aggressive, with the ball or without the ball. At set-pieces, he's aggressive and is a real, complete holding midfielder." Securing Guimaraes could be a coup for Guardiola in what might be his last season at the helm of City, leaving Newcastle at a loss, yet potentially flush with funds to reinvest before the window closes.

Newcastle could soon be in a position to offer more competitive financial packages to their targets, including Crystal Palace's Michael Olise, who is also said to be on United's radar and has a release clause of around £60m. The Reds are already working to strengthen Erik ten Hag's defence, having agreed personal terms with Everton centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite, valued at £70m.

Therefore, additional competition for Premier League star Olise would likely not be welcomed. With a potential £100m windfall from City and Guimaraes, Newcastle can proceed with plans to recruit Olise without the fear of breaching top-flight financial rules. However, if City want to secure Guimaraes for Guardiola, they will need to act quickly as the clause expires at the end of June.

"Having that was well planned and structured in the sense that there's a finish point," said Newcastle boss Howe after renewing his Brazilian star's contract. "We don't want a summer of speculation. I don't think that would be healthy for the player or for us."

A swift resolution may not suit United, as they might need to sell Jadon Sancho and Mason Greenwood before pursuing another right-winger. With Chelsea also in the running for Olise, two stronger contenders for his signature could emerge when United make their pitch to the Palace star.