Man City reignite pursuit of Newcastle star as Kevin De Bruyne replacement | OneFootball

Manchester City are back in pursuit of Newcastle United midfielder Bruno Guimaraes as they prepare to replace Kevin De Bruyne, a report has claimed.

33-year-old De Bruyne will depart at the end of the season upon the expiration of his contract, calling time on a trophy-laden ten-year spell at the Etihad Stadium and leaving a significant void behind him which City will need to fill.

Bayer Leverkusen's Florian Wirtz is a dream target and Wolverhampton Wanderers' Morgan Gibbs-White was recently named as a possible option, while there have even been reports of interest in Newcastle's Sandro Tonali.

Now, UOL state Guimaraes is also on City's radar once again. Their admiration of the Brazil international is nothing new, having been heavily linked with the Cityzens last summer when a release clause of £100m became active in his contract.

Guimaraes has even admitted to speaking with City boss Pep Guardiola, with both parties admitting their appreciation for the other in the past.

City's interest in the 27-year-old is by no means advanced. Negotiations have not yet been held as the fallen champions continue to examine the market and wait to see whether there will be any changes in the transfer market between now and the summer.

Newcastle are reluctant to cash in on any of their big names, including £150m-rated striker Alexander Isak, and will see their cause boosted if they can secure a spot in next season's Champions League. The Magpies were in an imposing position to qualify even before the Premier League was awarded one extra qualification spot.

It is believed Guimaraes will once again be available for a £100m release clause which, as it stands, is too high for City, who are aware of the need to bolster in several positions on the pitch.

Full-back is a priority and a new goalkeeper could be needed, while much will depend on how many players are shipped out as part of what is expected to become a significant squad overhaul.