Real Madrid enter race with Manchester United to sign Bruno Guimarães from Newcastle

The Newcastle captain missed Sunday’s Tyne-Wear defeat just as an €80 million tug-of-war begins between Manchester United and the Spanish giants

The battle for Bruno Guimarães has escalated as, days after it was reported that Manchester United were keen on the Newcastle United captain, Eurpean giants Real Madrid have entered the race for the 28-year-old midfielder.

While Old Trafford officials view Guimarães as the vital engine needed to replace the outgoing Casemiro this June, Estadio Deportivo suggests that the allure of the Bernabéu remains a significant threat to United’s plans.

Newcastle are reportedly holding out for a fee in the region of €80 million (£69 million) for their prized asset, a figure both suitors appear willing to meet.

The Magpies’ recent elimination from the Champions League, a humbling 8-3 aggregate defeat to Barcelona, has increased the likelihood of a summer departure, especially as the club battles to stay within Profit and Sustainability (PSR) limits.

For Manchester United, the pursuit is personal, as Casemiro has reportedly recommended his compatriot as his ideal successor.

However, Real Madrid’s long-standing interest, dating back to Guimarães’ time at Lyon, has complicated what initially appeared to be a straightforward negotiation for the Premier League side.

Rare medical setback forces captain into isolation during derby disaster

The transfer speculation has coincided with a bizarre and frustrating period for the Newcastle skipper, who is currently out injured. Despite travelling to support his teammates during their midweek clash in Catalonia, Guimarães was a shock absentee from Sunday’s Tyne-Wear derby.

The midfielder later revealed on Instagram that he had been diagnosed with mumps after noticing significant facial swelling on the flight back from Barcelona.

“The only reason I’m not at the stadium in Newcastle is that after our flight back from Barcelona, I noticed my face was swollen and thought I was having an allergic reaction,” Guimarães explained.

“But the next day when I woke up, I realized it was much more than that. I sent a photo to the doctor and he came to examine me. It was confirmed that I have mumps, and I need to remain in isolation for 5 days and stay away from physical activities for a bit longer. My focus now is to recover and be 100% as soon as possible.”

A depleted Newcastle side succumbed to a 2-1 defeat against Sunderland. Despite an early opener from Anthony Gordon, the Magpies were undone by a second-half equalizer from Chemsdine Talbi and a dramatic 90th-minute winner from Brian Brobbey.

The result handed Sunderland a historic Premier League double over their rivals and left Eddie Howe’s squad languishing in 12th place.