Here is your latest 4am Newcastle United transfer digest.
Raphinha trade?
Following months of negotiations, Bruno Guimaraes signed a new five-year deal at St James’ Park in October. The Brazil international quickly established himself as a key player under Eddie Howe, and was missed through suspension as United fell to defeat at Bournemouth last time out.
However, the new contract has seemingly done nothing to quell the transfer speculation surrounding Guimaraes and a potential switch to Barcelona. According to Mundo Deportivo, the Newcastle midfielder is on a three-man shortlist as Xavi looks to add to his engine room options.
Interestingly, the title claim Raphinha could be included as a makeweight in a prospective deal, with the Magpies previously credited with an interest in the former Leeds United winger. With a price tag in the region of £100 million, the Catalan giants would have to exchange a player to meet this valuation, and the attacker has struggled to regain his starting spot following an spell on the sidelines with injury.
READ MORE: Three Sandro Tonali transfer alternatives Newcastle United could turn to after £55m blow
Tah battle
Howe is currently short of options in almost every outfield position due to a mounting injury crisis. Newcastle’s backline has already been shuffled in recent weeks with the loss of Sven Botman and Dan Burn to injury, while Fabian Schar is also posing a concern after his withdrawal on international duty.
Bayer Leverkusen star Jonathan Tah is now being touted as a potential January recruit, with the Sun claiming both the Magpies and Manchester United are mulling over a deal worth at least £20 million for the centre-back.
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