Pep Guardiola’s ‘transfer obsession’ £100m Newcastle United talisman revealed

Pep Guardiola is fanatical about Newcastle United maestro Bruno Guimaraes, according to reports.

The Brazilian has been linked with a move away despite penning a new bumper contract extension in October. Guimaraes is understood to be Newcastle’s highest-ever earner - on a reported £160,000 per week.

However, a £100million release clause has Toon fans concerned that the 26-year-old’s days on Tyneside are numbered. A visibly dejected Guimaraes looked lost for words following the Magpies’ FA Cup defeat to Man City a fortnight ago.

Many Newcastle supporters believed his social media post was ominous, with Eddie Howe’s men surrendering their last chance to win a trophy this season. The message read: "Struggling to find words now! (I am) disappointed to not go through in the FA Cup.

“We still have 10 games in the Premier League to save our season. We count on our fans as always."

Spanish outlet Fichajes are now claiming Guimaraes could end up at City next season. Guardiola is named as being “obsessed” by the midfielder, who recently starred in Brazil’s 1-0 win over England at Wembley.

City have made a habit of paying big fees to raid fellow Premier League clubs. Last summer alone, Guardiola signed Mateo Kovacic and Matheus Nunes to bolster his engine room.

Guimaraes would be viewed as an upgrade but City must stump up a hefty fee to land the Toon talisman. The report claims City believe they can land the Brazilian for £85million - but Newcastle are unlikely to budge on the release clause inserted just five months ago.