Manchester United are said to have made an enquiry over one of the best holding midfielders in the Premier League as they sound out potential alternatives for Mateus Fernandes. The Red Devils are going to sign a deep-lying midfielder this summer as they look to replace the outgoing Casemiro.
United enjoyed a solid season of last, with Michael Carrick leading them to a third-place finish, earning a full-time deal in the process. Carrick will now be backed in the market, and the midfield is a big priority despite the early signing of Ederson from Atalanta.
West Ham star Mateus Fernandes appears to be option number one, but amid competition from Tottenham and a rising price, it seems the Red Devils may be lining up a pricy alternative.
Bruno Guimaraes enquiry emerges
According to TeamTalk, United are one of a number of clubs to have asked about the availability of Newcastle United midfielder Bruno Guimaraes. The Brazilian only has two years remaining on his Newcastle deal, and there is no breakthrough in contract talks as things stand, potentially opening the door to a move.
It’s also claimed Guimaraes has doubts over his Newcastle future after the Magpies finished in the bottom half last season, and he naturally wants to compete at the very highest level. That, according to the report, has led his representatives to hold some early conversations with other clubs, something United are said to have explored.
But with Guimaraes clearly only of the best players in the league in his position, he is likely to cost big money this summer, and likely more than the £80million or so it will cost to grab Fernandes from West Ham. It’s also likely to be a much trickier deal to pull off, given Newcastle could lose Tonali this summer. If they do, it’s likely they will do all they can to avoid losing another of their starting midfielders.
Guimaraes described as a ‘complete’ player
According to stat gurus Squawka, Guimaraes is ‘the Premier League’s most complete midfielder’, and there is heavy competition with the likes of Declan Rice, Moises Caicedo, Enzo Fernandez and Rodri. While some of those other names dominate specific stats, Guimaraes competes the best when it comes to a combination of them all, given he plays a more hybrid role which also allows him to get forward.
Newcastle boss Eddie Howe has said of the Brazilian: “He is a special player, a special person and a special character.”
There have been claims that Guimaraes has a release clause in his current contract, although some suggest a previous release clause has already expired.
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