Barcelona have reportedly identified Newcastle United midfielder Bruno Guimaraes as a possible replacement for Sergio Busquets, with the latter's contract set to expire at the end of June.
Busquets is allegedly yet to make a decision on his future, but the central midfielder is widely expected to move on at the end of the season, most likely to move to the MLS.
Barcelona are therefore set to be in the market for a new midfielder next year, and according to Fichajes, Guimaraes has emerged as a leading target for the club.
The 25-year-old was linked with a number of clubs before Newcastle signed him from Lyon during the January transfer window, and he has been in strong form for the Magpies.
The Brazil international has scored eight goals and registered three assists in 31 appearances for Eddie Howe's side in all competitions, including three goals and two assists in 16 outings this term.
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Guimaraes has contributed three goals and two assists in 12 Premier League outings this term, in addition to featuring on two occasions in the EFL Cup.
The midfielder, who is currently with the Brazil squad at the 2022 World Cup, has a contract at St James' Park until June 2026, placing the club in a strong position to keep hold of him.
Meanwhile, Newcastle will not be under pressure to make a big sale, as their recent takeover has made them one of the wealthiest sides in world football.
Chelsea and Manchester City have also been credited with an interest in the midfielder, but Howe said earlier this season that the South American can become a 'legend' of the club.
"We desperately want him to be happy here and see a long-term vision here, but time will tell on that. We have to build positively. As long as a player sees an ambition in the club, hopefully we can fulfil the needs of everyone here. We are in the early stages of that so we don't want to disturb that," he told reporters.
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"He has done unbelievably well, the thing that has pleasantly surprised me is the relationship between me and him, and the squad. He has fitted in so well. He has epitomised the team spirit and the drive we need to be successful and the fans have seen that and really taken to him.
"I am new here so I am aware of the Newcastle legends of the past and I want my players to aspire to be the next one and if that is part of his motivation then I am all for it. He has the ability to be one of those players, but he has a long way to get there."
As well as Busquets, Barcelona could also allow Franck Kessie to leave the club next summer, with the Ivory Coast international struggling to make his mark for the club this season.
Frenkie de Jong has been an important player for the Catalan side this term despite being strongly linked with an exit in the recent transfer window, although it is believed that Barcelona would still be willing to let the Netherlands international leave for a big transfer fee next year.
Matt Law
