Newcastle United in 'constant contact' with £45m-rated Bruno Guimaraes alternative wanted by Barcelona

Newcastle United have been linked with a Serie A midfielder that is attracting attention from Premier League rivals Manchester United and La Liga giants Barcelona.

Despite the impressive progress of youngster Lewis Miley and Joe Willock's impending return to fitness, the Magpies are believed to be keen to add another option to their midfield ranks before the end of the January transfer window.

Talk of a move for Manchester City star Kalvin Phillips refuses to go away as the England international continues to consider his options after failing to secure a regular place in Pep Guardiola's side. Phillips has been linked with a switch to Tyneside on a routine basis over the last six months and United are believed to have held informal discussions over a potential loan deal with an option to convert to a permanent move at the end of the season.

However, one report in Brazil has suggested Newcastle are also considering a move for Atalanta midfielder Ederson four months after they were initially linked with the former Corinthians star. The 24-year-old joined the Serie A club from league rivals Salernitana in a £16m move during the summer of 2022 and enjoyed a successful first season at the Gewiss Stadium as his new side secured qualification for the Europa League with a fifth place finish.

Ederson has continued to impress with five goals and one assists in 26 appearances in all competitions so far this season as Atalanta sit just outside of the European places ahead of Monday night's home game with Frosinone.

Brazilian outlet PRBrasil have claimed Newcastle are ready to move for the midfielder during the January transfer market and will send representatives to watch him in action in Monday night's game. The Magpies are said to have been in 'constant contact' with Ederson, Atalanta and the player's representatives and have 'concrete interest' in a deal.

Intriguingly, the report also states Newcastle's interest in the midfielder was initiated in the January 2022 when the player was with Brazilian club Fortaleza. However, the Magpies hierarchy opted to make a move for Bruno Guimaraes before maintaining a watching brief on Ederson's progression.