Barcelona are reportedly determined to win the race for Newcastle United midfielder Bruno Guimaraes.
The Brazil international's future is currently the subject of much speculation, with the likes of Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester City believed to be interested in his signature.
According to The Sun, Barcelona are also firmly in the hunt for the South American, having admitted defeat in their pursuit of Man City's Bernardo Silva.
The report claims that the Catalan outfit are ready to drop their interest in Bernardo, who was strongly linked with a move away from the Etihad Stadium over the summer.
Man City are believed to be preparing to offer the Portugal international a new long-term contract, which has led to Barcelona switching their attention to Guimaraes.
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A number of clubs were credited with an interest in the midfielder earlier this year, but it was Newcastle that secured his signature from Lyon during the January transfer window.
Guimaraes impressed for the Magpies in the second half of last season, while he has been in strong form during the 2022-23 campaign, contributing two goals and two assists in 11 appearances.
The Brazilian helped Newcastle make it five wins from their last six Premier League matches on Saturday, with Eddie Howe's side recording a 4-0 victory over Aston Villa at St James' Park.
The club's recent takeover has made them one of the richest sides in world football, and they have ambitions of becoming a Champions League outfit in the near future.
A total of 24 points from 13 matches has left them in fourth position in the table, two points behind third-placed Tottenham Hotspur and three clear of fifth-placed Chelsea, who lost at Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday.
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Barcelona are expected to be in the market for at least one new central midfielder next summer, as Sergio Busquets is set to leave the club following the expiration of his deal.
Pedri and Gavi are seen as key players for the club now and in the years to come, but there remains speculation surrounding Frenkie de Jong's future, with the Dutchman still said to be available for transfer.
Meanwhile, Franck Kessie is allegedly keen to leave Camp Nou in January, having become frustrated with his lack of starts since moving to Camp Nou on a free transfer.
Guimaraes, who is expected to be named in the Brazil squad for the World Cup, still has another four years left to run on his contract with Newcastle, placing the club in a strong position when it comes to his future.
Matt Law
