Newcastle United supporters will laugh at the latest Bruno Guimaraes transfer rumours

Chelsea are reportedly weighing up a summer move for Newcastle United talisman Bruno Guimaraes.

Speculation has been rife about the Brazilian’s future ever since he signed a bumper contract extension in October. Usually, penning a new deal would quash exit talk but NewcastleWorld understands Guimaraes bargained for a £100million release clause.

That has dangled for potential suitors ahead of the summer transfer window. Guimaraes is arguably Newcastle’s most influential player, becoming a hit with supporters from the moment he arrived two years ago.

An alarming statistic is how the Magpies have failed to win any of their eight Premier League games without him in the starting line-up since he made his full debut. The 26-year-old has carried the burden of responsibility for most of the campaign, with Joe Willock and Joelinton injured and Sandro Tonali suspended.

Liverpool and Paris Saint-Germain have reportedly been keeping tabs on Guimaraes, moves that would appear tempting to a seasoned international. However, HITC are now claiming Chelsea have entered the race and are tempted to trigger his release clause.

It is suggested that the Blues want Guimaraes to replace academy graduate Conor Gallagher, who can be sold to create FFP/PSR headroom. Newcastle fans could be forgiven for thinking Chelsea are a step down for any player planning on leaving St James’ Park.

While the Blues have become a European giant in recent decades, winning two Champions Leagues and multiple domestic honours, Todd Boehly’s ownership is erratic and the club continue to languish in mid-table. That is despite spending over £1billion on new arrivals since Roman Abramovich was forced to sell up in May 2022.