Manchester City could sign Newcastle midfielder Bruno Guimaraes this summer for £80m, according to 90min.com reporter Ben Jacobs.

The Brazilian international does have a £100m release clause in his contract but Jacobs claims that the Magpies have a “verbal agreement” with the player that means they will begin talks with Champions League teams who offer in excess of £80m.

It is believed that the Premier League champions have already sounded out Guimaraes, having made contact with his representatives about the transfer.

The midfielder’s ability to play as both a no.6 and no.8 is said to be an attractive asset, with manager Pep Guardiola liking to have players in his squad who are as adaptable as possible.

Newcastle will be forced into selling a big name

The Magpies are reportedly up against it in terms of complying with the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability rules. It means they need to make a sizeable profit on player sales when the next transfer window opens.

Guimaraes and teammate Alexander Isak are the club’s most saleable assets but Jacobs claims that they would much prefer to sell the former rather than the latter this summer.

City won’t be the only team pursuing Guimaraes

The 26-year-old’s availability is likely to attract a lot of suitors. Liverpool and Chelsea have been linked in past transfer windows and they can’t be ruled out from making an offer at the end of the season.

However, it is likely that City’s main rivals will be Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal. The Gunners have tracked Guimaraes for many years, with their sporting director Edu having first spotted him when he was playing for Athletico Paranaense.

Even so, the London club are thought to be prioritising a new striker so that may give the Cityzens the edge in getting a deal over the line for Guimaraes.