Revealed: Real Madrid to send scout to watch Newcastle duo in PSG clash

Cameron Smith

1 Oct 2023 11:35 CDT
3 min read

Bruno Guimaraes, Alexander Isak, Newcastle, Real Madrid — © ProShots

Real Madrid are set to send chief scout Juni Calafat to watch Newcastle pair Bruno Guimaraes and Alexander Isak during the Magpies’ Champions League game against Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday.

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Calafat will also be watching Kylian Mbappe in the match as Real Madrid continue their pursuit of the France international, according to Defensa Central.

However, Eddie Howe’s prized duo will be under strict surveillance too as Los Blancos ponder making a move for either player.

Isak is Newcastle’s most expensive signing of all time (€70 million) thanks to his move from Real Sociedad last summer, while Guimaraes cost the Magpies €42.1m from Olympique Lyonnais in January 2022.

But, they could lose the duo if Real Madrid decide to advance from interest in the pair to tabling official bids.

Los Blancos already have Jude Bellingham, Luka Modric, Toni Kroos, Eduardo Camavinga, Aurelien Tchouameni and Federico Valverde as midfield options available to Carlo Ancelotti, but they seemingly aren’t satisfied.

The interest in Isak makes more sense given Joselu is the only recognised striker at the club following Karim Benzema’s departure to Saudi Arabia. The Spaniard is also only on loan at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Newcastle rejected Guimaraes offers

Real Madrid aren’t the only club interested in signing Guimaraes. FootballTransfers understand that Newcastle received proposals from Liverpool and Paris Saint-Germain for Bruno Guimaraes but the club knocked them back amid contract talks for the Brazilian midfielder.

Guimaraes, whose current deal ends in 2026, has been in dialogue with Newcastle over a fresh deal for a number of months, and we are told the attachment of a release clause being one of the key factors in the discussions. It’s our information that it will be not as low as £100m but not as high as £150m.

During the summer, Liverpool offered £100m, including add-ons, but PSG sent a higher fee than the Merseyside club. However, both clubs were met with a firm no from Newcastle, who see Guimaraes as one of their star players.