Man City can ruin Man Utd's £60m transfer plans with Bruno Guimaraes knock-on effect

Newcastle are reportedly increasingly worried that Manchester City will send an ‘irresistible’ bid for midfielder Bruno Guimaraes that would not only see the Magpies lose their star midfielder, but send a hammer blow to City's neighbours Manchester United in the process.

Eddie Howe’s outfit have publicly admitted to being cautious with their recruitment due to the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules, which has hampered Newcastle from spending as freely as they wish following investment from the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund.

However, that freedom could soon be afforded should City meet the reported £100million clause in Guimaraes’ contract, which the Northern Echo claim is a possibility that Newcastle believe is becoming more likely.

Pep Guardiola is keen to find a long-term midfielder partner for Rodri and waxed lyrical about Guimaraes in March. “He is an exceptional holding midfielder,” the legendary head coach said.

“He is aggressive, with the ball or without the ball. At set-pieces, he’s aggressive and is a real, complete holding midfielder.”

And if Guardiola can land Guimaraes in what could be the Catalan boss’ final season at City, it would leave Newcastle reeling but with a considerable amount of cash to splash in the remainder of the window.

They suddenly would be able to offer more competitive financial packages to their targets, one of which is Crystal Palace’s Michael Olise. A player that Manchester United also have their eye on, with a release clause of his own in the region of £60m.

As the Red Devils first bid to bolster Erik ten Hag’s defence, having agreed personal terms with £75m-rated Everton centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite, additional competition for another Premier League star in Olise would unlikely be welcomed.

With £100m potentially in their pocket thanks to Manchester City and Guimaraes, Newcastle can push on with a plan to recruit Olise without the lingering fears of the top-flight’s financial rules hanging over them.

Though should City want to land Guimaraes for Guardiola, Howe has revealed that they will need to move quickly with the clause set to expire at the end of June. “Having that was well planned and structured in the sense that there’s a finish point,” the Newcastle boss said following the renovation of his Brazilian star’s contract.

“We don’t want a summer of speculation. I don’t think that would be healthy for the player or for us.”

A quick resolution may not be ideal for the red side of Manchester, however, as they could need to offload Jadon Sancho and Mason Greenwood before pushing for another right-winger.

With Chelsea also lurking in the race for Olise, two stronger contenders for his signature may arrive when United present their pitch to the Palace star.