By Wayne Veysey

9th Sep, 2023 | 8:18am

Sources: Newcastle United in advanced talks over £60m Bruno Guimaraes deal after Liverpool move

Bruno Guimaraes is set to become the best-paid player in Newcastle United’s history when he signs a new contract that is now close to being finalised, sources have told Football Insider.

Talks have been ongoing in recent months over a new and improved deal for the club’s star man, 25, that will catapult him into the top earning bracket at the club.

A well-placed source has told Football Insider that Newcastle are close to a breakthrough in negotiations with Guimaraes, who has established himself as one of Europe’s leading midfielders since his move to Newcastle in January 2022.

It is expected there will be an announcement soon over a new deal that would be worth up to £60million in total and see him become the highest-paid player in Newcastle’s history.

As revealed by Football Insider, the north-east giants are willing to offer the Brazilian a huge pay hike that would take him to around £200,000-a-week including add-ons and extend his deal by two more years.

According to FBRef, he currently earns £120,000-a-week on his Magpies contract – which runs until June 2026.

One of the sticking points in the protracted negotiations with Guimaraes is thought to have centered over whether there would be a release clause inserted into the new deal.

The club have previously refused to agree to release clauses since the takeover by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund in October 2021.

The Brazil international joined from Lyon in January 2022 for an initial £38 million, which could rise to £43 million with add-ons.

Guimaraes, who has spoken of his desire to become a “legend” at St James’ Park, has been linked with Liverpool and Chelsea, as well as Real Madrid, in recent windows.

Guimaraes has helped to transform Eddie Howe’s side into a Champions League club in little over 18 months at the club.

The Brazilian has been a dynamic presence in central midfield, weighing in with an impressive ten goals and six assists from his 61 appearances for Newcastle.

In other news, Newcastle United made late £30m+ bid for PL player Howe desperately wants in his starting XI