Paris Saint-Germain want to sign Newcastle United midfielder Bruno Guimaraes after his contract clause emerged.
The Brazil international signed for the Magpies from Lyon in a £40 million deal in January 2022 and has gone on to play 85 times in all competitions, scoring 11 goals.
He was instrumental in the club securing qualification to the Champions League this season and his importance to Eddie Howe's side cannot be overstated.
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However, the 26-year-old has been heavily linked with a move to PSG, who were in Newcastle's Champions League group.
The reliable Marcelo Bechler, working for TNT Sports Brasil, claims that PSG have identified Guimaraes as their top January target and have been in contact with the player.
The former Athletico Paranaense man hasn't given his green light to a potential move yet and that will be key to negotiations advancing.
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Guimaraes has a €116 million release clause in his Newcastle contract, which was signed in October and lasts until 2028.
However, it's claimed that upon being activated, the release clause can be paid in three separate installments.
It means that PSG could feasibly pay €38.6 million this month to bring Guimaraes back to Ligue One, before paying the same figure on a further two occasions.
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Guimaraes is represented by Giuliano Bertulucci, who also looks after compatriot Marquinhos, who is PSG's captain.
The agent has also helped Lucas Beraldo and Gabriel Moscardo secure moves to PSG in recent times.
Despite the backing from the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund, Newcastle are facing Financial Fair Play difficulties and may well have to sell a key asset to comply.
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TNT say the possible sale of Guimaraes is "interesting" for the Magpies given their current predicament.
Eddie Howe has stressed that the aim is to keep Guimaraes, particularly given the lengthy absence of club-record signing Sandro Tonali due to a betting ban.
He told Chronicle Live: "When you are talking about your best players you want to keep them at the football club as long as possible so that is certainly our aim."
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After the 4-2 defeat to Liverpool on New Year's Day, Newcastle look to bounce back with a huge FA Cup derby match with Sunderland at the Stadium of Light on Saturday.
Topics: Paris Saint-Germain, Newcastle United