Liverpool will be involved in the battle to sign Newcastle midfielder Bruno Guimaraes this summer, according to AS.

The Spanish newspaper claims that Manchester City have “already contacted” the Brazilian international’s entourage, and they are prepared to pay the player’s release clause.

However, it is believed that the Reds and Chelsea are also “expected to return to the fray” after having had previous approaches rebuffed for Guimaraes.

The 26-year-old opted to stay at St James’ Park last summer and he even signed a new contract back in October. However, a £100m buyout fee was included in the agreement.

While Newcastle would much prefer Guimaraes to leave for a club abroad, the midfielder’s three main suitors are in the Premier League.

Will Liverpool break their transfer record for Guimaraes?

The Reds’ current record fee is the £85m they shelled out on Darwin Nunez almost two years ago. However, they did table a £110m bid for Moises Caicedo in August before he eventually decided to join Chelsea instead.

It means that the club are prepared to break the bank for the right player but it remains to be seen whether they are willing to splash nine figures on Guimaraes, considering he will be 27 later this year.

What positions will the club look to strengthen?

Speaking about Liverpool’s summer transfer plans in his Debrief podcast, respected journalist Fabrizio Romano says he can see the Reds targeting a centre-half and potentially another forward:

“They decided to wait for the summer transfer window to enter into the centre-back market. I think that position could be covered also based on what they will do with [Joel] Matip who is out in the summer.

“Then I see them doing something in the offensive positions. It could be a winger or striker – we have to see what they want to do with the new manager – but I see at least two signings.”

Crucially, Romano doesn’t mention Guimaraes or a midfielder, so we shall see if AS‘s information is accurate.