Newcastle United linked with audacious £100m double swoop for Everton and Serie A stars

Newcastle United have already identified two possible replacements for Bruno Guimaraes as the Brazil midfielder continues to attract interest from some of European football’s biggest clubs.

The former Lyon midfielder remains an integral part of Eddie Howe’s side as they continue to challenge for an immediate return to European competition and for further progress in the FA Cup.  Guimaraes penned an improved contract earlier this season but the presence of a reported £100m release clause has meant speculation over a possible move away from St James Park has never been far from the headlines.

The likes of Paris Saint-Germain, Barcelona and Real Madrid have all considered moves for the midfielder and Arsenal and Chelsea are also said to be keen admirers for a player that has settled well into life in the Premier League over the last two years.

Newcastle’s ongoing battle with Financial Fair Play regulations has led to speculation one of United’s key players could be sold to fund further new additions to Howe’s squad over the coming transfer windows.  The Magpies boss is still waiting his first new signing of the current window, with the only major business seeing full-back Javier Manquillo reuniting with former manager Rafa Benitez at La Liga club Celta Vigo.

Speaking of the current state of United’s transfer business on Friday, Howe said: “It's been a difficult window so far. It's the first time since I've been manager that we've been linked with players leaving. That creates an unsettling dynamic.  A lot of those rumours have been just that. Rumours. I'm trying to prepare our team for the next game.  I don't know (if new players will arrive). Things are changing on a daily basis. We're working behind the scenes on targets. But there's no guarantee it will happen.  It's my end to try and leave the window with the strongest squad possible and that won't change.”

With speculation over the departures of the likes of Kieran Trippier, Callum Wilson, Miguel Almiron and Guimaraes still ongoing, Football Insider have reported Newcastle have identified Atalanta star Ederson and Everton’s Amadou Onana as potential replacements for the latter of that quartet.  Newcastle are said to have a current interest in both players but are not able to afford a deal for either before the end of the January transfer window.  However, the potential summer sale of Guimaraes would allow United to make firm moves for the midfield duo and go some way to filling the void that could be left by the Brazilian’s departure.