PL club planning to give £40m midfielder a huge pay rise, Liverpool really like him – Romano

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Newcastle are making the renewal of Bruno Guimaraes’ contract at the club a ‘top priority,’ amid interest from Liverpool.

Bruno was one of Newcastle’s standout players as they secured Champions League football last season. The Brazilian’s brilliant displays in the middle of the park have led to claims that Liverpool have fallen in love with him.

But reporting for CaughtOffside today, journalist Fabrizio Romano has poured cold water on the idea of Bruno leaving St James’ Park.

Romano himself is one of those to have previously claimed that the 25-year-old is admired at Anfield. But today, he claims that Newcastle are readying a play to ensure Bruno stays in black and white.

“Newcastle consider Bruno Guimaraes’ contract extension as a top priority,” writes the transfer expert. “Talks took place recently and are set to continue in the next weeks. Newcastle are insisting on securing Guimaraes’ future, likely with a huge pay rise.”

Newcastle priorities Bruno extension

It isn’t difficult to see why Liverpool are so enamoured by Bruno. The Brazil international has been one of the best midfielders in the Premier League since his £40m move 18 months ago.

But at this stage, it would be a huge surprise if they were able to tempt him to Anfield. In fact, journalist Ben Jacobs recently predicted that it would be the ‘shock of the summer’ if the move were to happen.

Instead, it seems ever more likely that Bruno will sign a new deal and continue his role as a key man in Newcastle’s revitalisation.

Nevertheless, surprising things happen all the time in football. Despite their newfound riches, Liverpool should remain a greater draw to most players.

The Reds can offer better salaries than their North Eastern counterparts. If Bruno doesn’t like the offer he gets from Newcastle, maybe there’s a small window there.

Still, it isn’t as though there’s much leverage to be had. The former Lyon man has three years to run on his contract and would command an enormous fee for Newcastle to even entertain selling him.

So, yes, it looks like this one is beyond Liverpool – or anyone really. But that won’t stop them from admiring Bruno. Things can go wrong in contract negotiations, the Reds have to make sure they’re in a position to capitalise if that happens here.