Bruno Guimaraes has been linked with Manchester United (Image: Getty Images)
Manchester United‘s prospects of acquiring Bruno Guimaraes or Sandro Tonali from Newcastle this summer may hinge on whether the Magpies qualify for European competition. The Reds have been connected with several targets as they seek to resolve problems at the centre of midfield. With Casemiro confirming his plans to depart Old Trafford at the season’s conclusion, the club will rush to identify an appropriate replacement in the forthcoming months.
Whilst names including Carlos Baleba, Elliot Anderson and Adam Wharton have all featured in discussions, Newcastle skipper Guimaraes is understood to be the club’s primary target. It’s been reported that United are in ‘advanced talks’ to secure the 28-year-old in a deal worth around £69million. It is additionally suggested that Guimaraes and his representatives are keen on the transfer, while Tonali continues to be mentioned as a rumoured target.
Yet, according to former Premier League defender Danny Simpson, Newcastle could conceivably hold onto their pivotal assets should they qualify for Champions League or Europa League football.
Speaking to The Mirror, Simpson said: « I watched Tonali, he’s another one I watched that I was so impressed with.
« I think I tweeted how good I thought he was, watching him live at Man Utd last week. Didn’t realise how big he was, to be honest, and didn’t realise how well he moved with the ball, off the ball powerful.
« I think any of them top clubs are looking at him in that centre. City need one, Man Utd need one. Chelsea obviously can’t buy players. I think he’s one definitely people are looking at. »
Simpson added: « They’ve got some really good players. I think the other thing is, the other clubs know the financial situation Newcastle are in.
« It’s going to be an issue. It’s going to be tough to hold on to them, but it depends how they finish the season. Can they still get European football
Danny Simpson believes there is a way for Newcastle to keep their biggest stars (Image: Birmingham Post and Mail)
« If they don’t, that’s obviously when players will say to Eddie [Howe] and the club: ‘I want to play in these big nights that we’ve just played in, Barcelona, etc’.
« It’ll be very tough, but I think it depends on where they finish in the league this season if they can get European football. »
Securing a top-five Premier League finish will be Newcastle’s final chance of clinching European football next season.
Considering how close it is at the summit of the table, however, and with just eight matches remaining, achieving a position around the coveted top five will undoubtedly be a challenge.
Currently, the Magpies are ninth in the Premier League table, seven points behind fifth-place Liverpool and trailing fourth-place Aston Villa by nine.
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