Liverpool reportedly tried to sign Newcastle midfielder Bruno Guimaraes in the final hours of the summer transfer window.
The Reds underwent a midfield revolution after James Milner, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Naby Keita all departed the club following the expiration of their contracts. While Jordan Henderson and Fabinho left Anfield the Saudi Pro League.
As a result, Jurgen Klopp added midfield quartet Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, Wataru Endo and Ryan Gravenberch to his squad as the Liverpool boss hopes to compete for the Premier League title.
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But Klopp also launched a last-minute bid to sign Newcastle's Guimaraes, who has established himself as a fan favourite at St James' Park, helping them to a fourth-placed finish last season.
That's according to Spanish outlet AS, who claim that Liverpool offered an eye-watering £100 million bid for the Brazilian in the final days of the transfer window, which was promptly turned down by the Magpies.
However, the report adds that 25-year-old's “name is listed in 'red'” for Liverpool’s future targets, with the Merseyside club believing he could become available as early as January.
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And that has sparked Newcastle into action, who are desperate to tie him down to a new deal in Tyneside to make it difficult for Liverpool to try and sign him in the next window.
Providing an update on negotiations, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano tweeted on Friday: "Newcastle make significant progress in negotiations to extend Bruno Guimarães contract, agreement now on the verge of being completed.
"Positive secret talks took place last 10 days — still final details to iron out then time to sign.
"Bruno’s new deal, close."
Featured Image Credit: GettyTopics: Newcastle United, Liverpool, Eddie Howe, Jurgen Klopp, Football, Premier League, Transfers