Newcastle United star an ‘impossible dream’ for La Liga giants

Barcelona’s reported interest in Newcastle United star Bruno Guimaraes is ‘an impossible dream’ for the Catalan giants - according to the latest reports in Spain.

The Brazil international has become a popular and integral figure at St James Park since he joined the Magpies in a reported £40m from Ligue 1 club Lyon in January 2022. The 25-year-old midfielder was given time to settle on Tyneside by Magpies boss Eddie Howe and repaid that gesture with five goals and one assist in 17 appearances to help United surge away from the relegation zone and into the security of mid-table by the time a transformative campaign came to a close.

Guimaraes continued to shine last season as the Magpies made a mockery of pre-season predicitions of another mid-table finish by securing a place in the top four and ending their 20-year absence from the Champions League. Speaking after the goalless draw against Leicester City that ensured United will return to European football’s top table, Guimaraes reflected on the change in fortunes he had witnessed during his first full season with the club.

He said: ““What did I think when people say “crazy”? I don’t care! I am ambitious. This is something I have been since I remember myself. Have ambition and challenge. When I signed, people said that you are crazy to sign for a team who could play in the Championship next season. But here we are and we have the Champions League one year after. I don’t care about the people who said I was crazy!”

The impact he has made during his first 16 months on Tyneside has led to speculation the likes of Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona were preparing bids to try and persuade Newcastle to part company with their inspirational midfielder. Far from authorising a departure, the Magpies are believed to be keen to hand an improved deal to the 10-times capped Brazil international and ensure he remains at St James Park for the foreseeable future.

However, for one of his reported suitors, a move for Guimaraes would be a step too far given the financial concerns that are ongoing at Barcelona. A report in Sport has revealed the Catalans have ‘not wasted a minute’ talking to the Magpies star’s agent and a sizable price tag placed upon Guimaraes means a move is ‘an impossible dream in an era of a Viability and Financial Fair Play plan.’

Magpies linked with loan offer for England defender

Newcastle United have once again been linked with a move for Manchester United defender Harry Maguire - but the Red Devils stance on the centre-back’s future could well see him head elsewhere.

The Mail have claimed the Magpies are keen to secure the England star on a season-long loan deal as they look to boost their defensive options ahead of their return to the Champions League. Everton and Aston Villa are also said to be keen, but Leicester City’s hopes of taking the defender back to the King Power Stadium have been scuppered by their relegation into the Championship.

However, Newcastle’s own interest could be ended by the Red Devils insistence on only allowing Maguire to leave Old Trafford on a permanent move as they aim to strengthen their own squad ahead of their second season under former Ajax manager Erik ten Hag.