Liverpool are vying with Chelsea and Real Madrid for Newcastle midfielder Bruno Guimaraes, according to TNT Sports.

The Argentinian TV network claim that the three clubs have “expressed concrete interest” in the Brazilian international ahead of the January transfer window.

Guimaraes only moved to the North East at the start of the year when the Magpies paid Lyon £40m for his services, and he has been an instant hit on Tyneside.

Newcastle are not expected to let the 24-year-old leave without a fight, and it is believed that they will offer a new contract to the player in order to ward off potential suitors.

Liverpool desperately need to strengthen their options in midfield. Fabinho’s form has dropped off alarmingly, and Guimaraes would certainly give his fellow countryman real competition for his place.

Considering the Reds’ position in the table at the moment, though, you would have to say that they are not frontrunners for the midfielder’s signature.