Manchester United are reported to be in “advanced talks” to sign Newcastle United midfielder Bruno Guimarães for $91.9 million (£69.1 million), with the move framed as a replacement for the departing Casemiro. The two Brazilians have played together in Brazil’s national team since Guimarães made his debut in 2020.

Guimarães is noted for qualities similar to Casemiro’s: an elite defensive midfielder profile combined with an ability to operate box-to-box and contribute goals. There has been what is described as “initial contact” between the clubs, with the discussions said to highlight “mutual interest” in a deal.

The Newcastle captain’s future has become the subject of debate after the club’s elimination from the Champions League and the growing likelihood that they will not qualify for next season’s competition. That uncertainty is a factor in Manchester United pursuing the player.

Complicating matters for United is another suitor. The same report cites “renewed” interest from Real Madrid. Los Blancos had hoped to sign Guimarães from Lyon in 2022 but were gazumped by Newcastle at that time. The original interest was driven by Carlo Ancelotti, who is no longer Real Madrid manager but continues to hold influence through his position as Brazil boss, “backing” another approach.

Real Madrid’s midfield is described as having been neglected in recent recruitment cycles after the club did not replace Toni Kroos or Luka Modrić in the last two summers, and there is speculation that Eduardo Camavinga could be sold. Manchester United, meanwhile, were already linked with a midfield arrival before Casemiro’s future became clear.

The report suggests a clear dilemma. If Guimarães, “among the best in the world in his position , is intended as a direct replacement for the five-time Champions League winner, the lack of depth in the middle of the pitch would still exist.” Clubs on both sides will weigh the sporting and financial implications as the transfer story develops.

Mohamed Salah became the first African player to score 50 UEFA Champions League goals on Wednesday, a milestone that underpinned Liverpool’s progression to the quarterfinals.

The total places him joint 10th on the competition’s all-time list, level with Harry Kane and Thierry Henry. The vast majority of those strikes have come since his arrival at Liverpool in 2017. Two came for Basel and one for Roma. He made only two Champions League appearances at Chelsea and failed to score there.

Salah’s most prolific Champions League campaign was 2017–18, when he scored 10 times as Liverpool reached the final in Kyiv, losing to Real Madrid after he was forced off with a shoulder injury following a controversial early clash with Sergio Ramos.

After a remarkable 2024–25 season, his form has been more ordinary at times. A limited return in October and November resulted in him being dropped, but he produced a decisive performance on Wednesday. Even after an early setback when his penalty was saved, he continued to influence the match; Ekitiké was grateful for the assist, calling his veteran teammate a “legend,” while manager Arne Slot emphasised his mental qualities.

“It says a lot about him after you miss the penalty just before half time. That can sometimes be hard for an individual or for a team,” Slot commented afterwards.

“So, he assisted the first to Hugo, great assist, and then scored a trademark goal, I think, which he scored many of, in this stadium for this club, coming inside, finding the top corner. So, that tells you a lot about his mental strength.”

Salah has failed to start only one of 14 Liverpool fixtures since returning from the Africa Cup of Nations in January. That single absence was the weekend’s 1–1 draw against Tottenham Hotspur, a deliberate decision to rest him three days before Galatasaray’s visit. “Injury-wise, he was asking for a substitution, not because he thought he had scored enough, but that he felt something, so let’s see where he is for the weekend.”

With Liverpool due to meet Paris Saint-Germain at least twice more this season, Salah can add to his tally. The next inactive players ahead of him are Ruud van Nistelrooy (56) and Thomas Müller (57), with a larger gap to Raúl on 71. Active players nearby include Erling Haaland (57) and Kylian Mbappé (68).

The transfer chatter remains dominated by high fees and pragmatic loan options as clubs across Europe prepare for significant summer moves. Arsenal have been linked with AC Milan forward Rafael Leão, a target reported to command $92.3 million (£69.1 million, €80 million) as the Gunners weigh reinforcement options amid speculation over Gabriel Martinelli.

Manchester United’s interest in Joshua Zirkzee has cooled as the striker plots a return to Serie A. His likely Italian suitors, including Juventus, Milan and Napoli, are reportedly only interested in a loan deal.

Manchester City have pursued Barcelona center back Pau Cubarsí with what has been described as an “obsession.” City are understood to have proposed a swap involving Omar Marmoush as a potential makeweight in the negotiations.

Arsenal are also the centre of a different story, with Crystal Palace, Everton and West Ham United all exploring a loan move for Arsenal’s “frustrated” left back Myles Lewis-Skelly.

Chelsea are active on several fronts. They have submitted offers for Borussia Dortmund’s Serhou Guirassy, while also being linked to Inter target Alessandro Bastoni. Inter rejected an initial Barcelona approach of up to $75 million (€65 million) and are reported to be asking closer to $92.3 million. Guirassy has been floated as a replacement option and could be available for $69.2 million (€60 million), with Chelsea and Inter among those said to have made offers.

Chelsea are also said to be close to signing Valentín Barco from Strasbourg, a move described as at an “advanced stage.” Meanwhile, Aston Villa are demanding a club-record fee in excess of $133.5 million (£100 million) for Morgan Rogers amid Chelsea interest.

On the wider market, Real Madrid are willing to listen to offers for Jude Bellingham, who has been valued at $173 million (£129.6 million, €150 million) and is attracting reported interest from Manchester United and Chelsea. Borussia Dortmund remain confident they can secure a permanent return for Jadon Sancho once his contract at Manchester United expires, with the club “confident” of a deal. Fulham have lined up a medical for Ricardo Pepi in a deal set to be worth $38 million (£28.5 million), and Newcastle United have scouted Lens goalkeeper Robin Risser, valued at $46.1 million (£34.6 million, €40 million).