Liverpool have joined in the race to sign Newcastle United star Bruno Guimaraes – a player that Michael Owen recently claimed that his manager, Eddie Howe, will now rate at more than double the fee paid for him; £80million.
GoldenNewsNg reports that Guimaraes, 24, has sparkled for Newcastle since joining the Toon from Lyon in January. Newcastle paid a fee of £35million and he has already become a fan favourite on Tyneside. He has had a hand in 10 goals in his 29 matches.
The Brazil international has scored seven goals and laid on three assists, despite playing as a box-to-box no.8 – or as a holding midfielder. On Sunday, he was crucial in a 2-1 win over Tottenham – despite the birth of his son hours before.
Goal Brasil claim that Chelsea have opened talks with his representatives to find out his price tag. The report also claims that Newcastle are readying a £200k-a-week contract offer. Now, TNT claim Liverpool have joined the race.
Having scored a brace against Brentford in a 5-1 win, Owen was full of praise for Guimaraes. With Newcastle having spent £35million to sign the ex-Lyon star, Owen believes he could be worth more than double that figure, now.
“We’re all getting carried away with Guimaraes. For Eddie Howe to be saying he is a bargain at £35m, must means he values him at £70m, or £80m. It puts him up there as one of the best players about,” Owen told The Final Word.
LIVERPOOL IN GUIMARAES RACE: OWEN CLAIMS HOWE RATES HIM AT £80MILLION
What is his best move – stay at Newcastle, or join either Liverpool or Chelsea? Well, staying at Newcastle is hardly the wrong thing to do. They are a club on the up and up. Newcastle are more than likely to qualify for Europe this season.
Guimaraes can become a hero on Tyneside. A big fish in a big pond. But he may be tempted by West London, or Merseyside. Both clubs desperately need to bring in midfielders. Jorginho and N’Golo Kante are out of contract.
Liverpool have the likes of Jordan Henderson, Thiago and James Milner as midfield options – but they are all over the age of 30. Is he worth £80million? Without a doubt, judging on his form this season.