Spurs plot audacious raid for £55m winger as West Ham and Nottingham Forest chase Ligue 1 talent

La Liga giants Real Madrid are reportedly ready to add their name to the ever increasing list of clubs considering a move for Newcastle United star Bruno Guimaraes.

The Brazil international has been an overwhelming success since moving to St James Park in a £40m deal from Ligue 1 club Lyon during the January 2021 transfer window. Guimaraes helped Eddie Howe's side preserve their Premier League status during his first six months on Tyneside before playing a lead role in guiding the Magpies into the Champions League during his first full season with the club.

The 26-year-old penned an extension to his current deal earlier this season but the reported presence of a £100m release clause has meant speculation over a move away from Newcastle has never been too far from the headlines. The likes of Liverpool, Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain have all been linked with a move for the midfielder in recent months - but Spanish outlet Fichajes have now claimed Real Madrid have identified Guimaraes as a potential replacement for Luka Modric.

The Croatia international is in the final months of his current deal with the La Liga giants and there has been speculation linking the former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder with a move to the Saudi Pro League at the end of the season. The report has claimed Real have 'had their eye on the midfielder (Guimaraes) for a while now' and believe he is 'the perfect fit for the club'.

The 3AM Verdict: Guimaraes has been one of the success stories of Newcastle's rise from relegation certainties to Champions League contenders. His influence on the Magpies side is clear to see and losing him would be a severe blow for Eddie Howe's future plans. However, there would be some understanding if it was a big money move to Real that lured Bruno away from St James Park and it would give Newcastle a significant boost in their battle with the Premier League's profit and sustainability regulations.

Spurs consider move for Barcelona star

Tottenham Hotspur have enjoyed several successful ventures into the transfer market since Ange Postecoglou took charge during the summer. The likes of Micky van de Ven, Guglielmo Vicario and James Maddison have all impressed over the first half of the season as Spurs look to push for a return to the Champions League.

Their recruitment drive under the former Celtic boss continued with the addition of Romanian defender Radu Dragusin last month and there are reports Spurs are already planning for the summer transfer window. Barcelona winger Raphinha is believed to be a primary target according to reports in Spain as they look to hand the former Leeds United star an opportunity to shine in the Premier League once again.

The 3AM Verdict: £55m man Raphinha has endured mixed fortunes during his time with Barcelona, becoming a La Liga winner during his first season and struggling with injury and inconsistency during the current campaign. Reports linking the Brazilian with a move back to the Premier League have been ongoing and Spurs are just the latest club to reportedly take an interest in such a move. Should a deal be agreed, Raphinha would add further attacking intent to an already forward thinking Spurs side under Postecoglou.

Hammers and Forest eye Ligue 1 sensation

Le Havre defender Arouna Sangante is reportedly attracting attention from several Premier League clubs including the likes of Manchester United, Chelsea and Fulham.

At the age of just 21, the talented defender is forging a big reputation for himself with a string of impressive performances as his side sit comfortably in mid-table in France's top tier. Football Insider have now claimed West Ham and Nottingham Forest both made late loan moves for Sangante during the January transfer window - but were rebuffed by Le Havre, who were only keen on a permanent move.

The 3AM Verdict: The race for top young talent from Europe has increased in recent years and several youngsters have already impressed after making moves to the Premier League. It seems likely Sangante will only enhance his already glowing reputation between now and the end of the season - so it would be no shock if further moves were made during the summer transfer window.