Manchester City are reportedly considering using either Rico Lewis or Oscar Bobb as leverage in their pursuit of Newcastle star Bruno Guimaraes.
The reigning champions may propose a loan deal for one of these young talents to the Magpies next season to facilitate Guimaraes’ transfer.
Newcastle have set a hefty £100 million price tag on their Brazilian midfielder, who is also on Arsenal’s radar. However, City are not willing to meet this valuation, believing Guimaraes, 26, is worth closer to £80 million, which has stalled any move to bring the South American to the Etihad.
According to the Sunday Star, Newcastle’s interest in Lewis and Bobb could be the key to breaking this deadlock.
City have made it clear that neither player is for sale this summer, viewing both Lewis, 19, and Bobb, 21, as crucial to the club’s long-term plans. However, in the short term, Pep Guardiola might be willing to loan one of them out in his quest to bolster his central midfield ahead of next season’s attempt at an unprecedented fifth consecutive title.
Lewis made a significant impact in the City first team during the 2022-23 Treble-winning season, starting 10 Premier League matches. The versatile England international, capable of playing at full-back or in an inverted midfield role, only started eight games last season.
Norwegian winger Bobb, on the other hand, saw less action, being primarily used as a substitute after being promoted from the Under-23s to the senior squad.
