Manchester City will only “consider” making an attempt to sign Newcastle midfielder Bruno Guimaraes if one of three players leaves the Etihad this summer, according to ESPN.
The website claims that manager Pep Guardiola is happy with his current squad, and no replacements will be sought for either Joao Cancelo or Kalvin Phillips if they find permanent moves away from the club.
However, the situation could change if Kevin De Bruyne, Bernardo Silva or Matheus Nunes are sold over the coming weeks and months.
De Bruyne has expressed an interest in moving to Saudi Arabia, while Nunes has been linked with a transfer to the Middle East as well.
Silva has a £50m release clause in his contract but no team has currently registered their intention to trigger it.
Guimaraes’ price tag remains a problem
The Brazilian international does have a release clause in his contract worth £100m which is active until June 24th. However, ESPN report that the Cityzens “do not value” the player at that price. Rivals Arsenal are said to hold the same stance.
Whether that means City have ruled out a move for Guimaraes, it is not known. They could enter talks later in the summer but Newcastle are unlikely to countenance a sale; especially when the clause is no longer relevant.
Could City consider alternatives?
Pep Guardiola’s side have been mentioned as potential suitors for Bayern Munich’s Joshua Kimmich, and reliable sources say the club do retain a strong interest in the German international, who was originally targeted during the January transfer window.
The 29-year-old is closing in on the final year of his contract and there is no indication that Bayern will offer him an extension. The midfielder could be on the market for a fraction of the price City would have to pay for Guimaraes.
