Bruno Guimarães has been linked with Manchester United (Image: Getty Images)
Manchester United’s chances of signing Bruno Guimarães or Sandro Tonali from Newcastle this summer could depend on whether the Magpies qualify for European competition. The Reds have been linked with several targets as they look to solve their problems in the heart of midfield. Casemiro has confirmed his plans to leave Old Trafford at the end of the season, with the club set to quickly select a suitable replacement in the coming months.
Newcastle captain Guimarães is believed to be the club’s main target, although names such as Carlos Bareva, Elliott Anderson and Adam Wharton have been mentioned in discussions. United are reported to be in “advanced talks” to sign the 28-year-old in a deal worth around £69m. It has also been suggested that Guimarães and his agent are keen on a move, although Tonali continues to be mentioned as a rumored target.
However, former Premier League defender Danny Simpson says it is possible Newcastle could retain their key asset if they qualify for the Champions League or Europa League.
Simpson told the Mirror: “I saw Tonali and he was one of the roles I was really impressed with.”
“I watched the Man Utd live broadcast last week and I think I tweeted how good I thought he was. “To be honest, I didn’t realize how big he was, I didn’t realize how he moved with the ball and how powerful he was off the ball.
“I think all the top clubs are looking at him in the centre. City need players, Man United need players. Chelsea obviously can’t get players. I think he’s definitely a player people are looking at.”
Simpson added: “They’ve got some really good players and I think the other thing is that other clubs know the financial situation Newcastle are in.”
“That’s going to be a problem. It’s going to be difficult to keep them but it depends on how they finish the season. Can they still get European football?”
Danny Simpson believes there is a way for Newcastle to keep their biggest star (Image: Birmingham Post Office)
“If not, the players will obviously be saying to Eddie[Howe]and the club: ‘We want to play on the big night we just played, for example at Barcelona.’
“It’s going to be a very tough situation, but I think their ability to participate in European football will depend on where they finish in the league this season.”
A top-five finish in the Premier League next season is Newcastle’s last chance to win European football.
However, given how close they are to the top of the table, with only eight games remaining, it will no doubt be difficult to secure a coveted position near the top five.
The Magpies currently sit in ninth place in the Premier League, seven points behind fifth-placed Liverpool and nine points behind fourth-placed Aston Villa.
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