BOMBSHELL: Newcastle set to STEAL £50m midfielder Man Utd SNOBBED… as the perfect Guimaraes replacement!

Newcastle United Target Carlos Baleba as Midfield Replacement

Newcastle United have reportedly identified Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Carlos Baleba as one of their leading options to strengthen the squad following Bruno Guimaraes’ departure to Arsenal.

The Magpies have turned their attention towards the Cameroon international after Manchester United decided against pursuing a deal for the highly-rated midfielder.

Guimaraes had become one of Newcastle’s most important players and a firm favourite among supporters during his four years at St James’ Park.

However, the Brazilian eventually pushed for a move away during a turbulent summer on Tyneside.

His £75 million transfer to Arsenal came after Newcastle had already lost Anthony Gordon and Sandro Tonali, while manager Eddie Howe also surprisingly left the club.

There have also been suggestions that defenders Lewis Hall and Tino Livramento could depart before the transfer window closes, increasing the pressure on new manager Matthias Jaissle to rebuild his squad.

Newcastle have already added young midfielders Aladji Bamba and Sean Steur, but neither player is viewed as a direct replacement for Guimaraes.

Jaissle therefore wants an experienced midfielder capable of immediately competing at Premier League level.

The club previously explored a move for former Tottenham captain Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, but the Denmark international rejected the opportunity to join Newcastle.

BBC Sport reports that Hojbjerg is just one of several midfielders being considered, while the Daily Mail claims Newcastle have now made an approach for Baleba.

Jaissle is reportedly an admirer of the Brighton star, who was heavily linked with Manchester United last summer.

Baleba ultimately remained at Brighton, despite continued speculation surrounding his future.

United were expected to renew their interest this summer, but they instead spent a combined £83 million on Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans.

Although Ruben Amorim’s side are still considering another midfield addition, Fabrizio Romano has reported that they have ended their pursuit of Baleba.

His valuation has reportedly fallen to around £50 million, potentially giving Newcastle an opportunity to secure his signature.

It remains uncertain whether Baleba would welcome a move to the North East. Nevertheless, Newcastle need greater Premier League experience in midfield before the September 1 deadline.

Despite being only 22, Baleba has already accumulated close to 100 appearances in England’s top flight.

The need for reinforcements was highlighted by Newcastle’s disappointing 3-1 friendly defeat to Everton on Wednesday.

Jaissle’s side must improve quickly, with Bayer Leverkusen providing their next pre-season test on Saturday.