Manchester City have reportedly made contact with Newcastle’s Bruno Guimaraes as they seek a midfield player for next season.

Pep Guardiola has spoken openly about his respect for the Brazilian ahead of Saturday’s FA Cup quarter-final against the Magpies. He stated, “He is an exceptional holding midfielder.” He is aggressive whether with or without the ball.

“He’s aggressive at set-pieces and has developed into a true holding midfielder since his time at Lyon and now at a team that wants to see him flourish. I am confident that he will be involved in the initiative over the next few years. Definitely.”

According to AS, City has already contacted Guimaraes’ agents in an attempt to beat the competition this summer. City is reportedly willing to pay his €117 million (£100 million) release clause in three payments.

Guimaraes is also on the radar of Liverpool and Chelsea, who have previously attempted to sign the Brazilian. Manchester United could make a bid as the duo is anticipated to return in the summer.

Guimaraes is also being monitored by clubs outside the Premier League, according to sources. With that said, MEN Sport investigates what has been claimed about Guimaraes.

‘Magnificent’ Bruno

Magpies manager Eddie Howe has made no secret of his admiration for his midfielder, stating: “I thought he was magnificent in every aspect, especially out of possession, because we struggled to get control of the ball.” He’s a tremendously passionate person. I adore that about him. He cares greatly about whether we win or lose. Again, I adore that about him. You need players that put their hearts on their sleeves and are willing to give their all on the pitch. “He is definitely one of those.”

Regarding his impact on games, Howe stated, “I believe he was very, very brilliant with the ball, very imaginative, and managed to connect with the men in front of him. But, off the ball, I thought he was incredibly terrific, physically strong, and pressed pretty effectively.

“He’s such a key element of our game that it’s physically demanding for him, but he’s able to repeat the physical exertions that we require of him, so I believe his game is in good shape. It must be for us to perform effectively because he is at the center of everything.”

Where might he fit in at Manchester City?

Guimaraes would suit the profile of the type of player Guardiola wants in his City squad. He would team up with Rodri, although Kalvin Phillips’ future at the Etihad is questionable.

He’s also revealed that he’d like to play alongside Erling Haaland and believes he’d get more assists. “He’s a monster, an amazing player,” he said on the Premier League’s YouTube account. “If I played with him, I’d finish 20 assists a season.”