Newcastle United would supposedly consider selling midfield fulcrum Bruno Guimaraes to Real Madrid or Barcelona for less than his £100m release clause.
The 26-year-old has gone from strength to strength since departing Lyon for St James' Park in January 2022, playing an integral role in the Magpies' return to the Champions League.
Despite often being forced to play in the number six role rather than his favoured advanced position, Guimaraes continues to provide an impact at both ends of the pitch for Eddie Howe's side, scoring 11 goals and setting up nine more in 86 matches.
Guimaraes has one goal and three assists to show from 29 outings in the current campaign, but Newcastle's Champions League campaign ended in the group stage, and their premature exit allegedly left the midfielder furious.
An abysmal run of five losses from their last six Premier League games also leaves Newcastle playing catch-up in the race for European football in 10th place in the Premier League table, having been leapfrogged by Chelsea owing to the Blues' 1-0 win over Fulham on Saturday lunchtime.
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Howe's men could jump back into the top seven with a surprise win over Manchester City later in the day, but their short-lived Champions League run and disappointing Premier League sequence has inevitably led to the rumour mill swirling.
Guimaraes's contract at St James' Park does not expire until 2028, having agreed to a long-term extension back in October, and the Magpies supposedly agreed to insert a nine-figure release clause into his deal.
According to FootballTransfers, Guimaraes is "almost certain" to seek pastures new once the 2023-24 season is done and dusted, and the South American has his heart set on a move to La Liga with Barcelona.
As a result, Newcastle would be prepared to accept a lower fee from the reigning Spanish champions in order to help facilitate Guimaraes's dream move, and Real Madrid would also be in line for a discount.
However, if any of Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea or Liverpool come knocking, Newcastle will not be so charitable and will instead demand the full £100m from each of those suitors.
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Magpies head coach Howe recently conceded to the press that his side simply could not afford to sign Bournemouth striker Dominic Solanke this month, as Financial Fair Play rules means that their January spending will be heavily restricted.
While such regulations will not be so restrictive in the summer, the report adds that Guimaraes could be sold in a big-money deal to help raise funds for future transfer business.
However, the Magpies have already affirmed that other key players will not be sold under any circumstances this summer, including Sven Botman and Alexander Isak.
Real Madrid could be in the market for a new midfielder if both Luka Modric and Toni Kroos - who are out of contract this summer - end their glittering spells at the Bernabeu.
Meanwhile, Barcelona are searching for a replacement for ACL victim Gavi, but there is seemingly no chance of the Blaugrana sealing a winter move for Guimaraes.
Ben Knapton
