The 'ultimate dream' Newcastle United and Liverpool swap that would work for both clubs

Bruno Guimaraes has plans. Vague, distant plans to be undertaken at an unspecified point in the future. The Newcastle United midfielder, so dear to those of a black and white persuasion, has been frequently touted for a big money exit in recent times, and it would appear that the player himself would be open to the prospect of such a transfer. Eventually.

Speaking to the media after Brazil's international friendly against England on Saturday evening, Guimaraes said: "It’s always been my dream to play here. I’ve always followed the Premier League. It was always my dream to be here.

"I think, ever since I joined Newcastle, everything has been good in my life professionally and personally. I’m very happy to be playing amongst the best in the best league in the world. I absolutely plan to play here for a long time. I have other goals as well, of moving, but this is something more down the line. I’m really happy to be here in the league."

In short, there is good news and bad news. The good news is that Bruno has no intention of leaving any time soon. The bad news is that he would quite like to leave at some stage. Undoubtedly, the South American's comments will have piqued the interest of several continental heavyweights, including but not limited to Paris Saint-Germain and, much closer to home, Liverpool.

The Reds are understood to be in the market for midfield reinforcements for a second summer running as they prepare to bid farewell to the ghost of Thiago Alcantara, and Guimaraes is one of a number of several shimmering names with which they have been linked. For their part, Newcastle, although understandably reluctant to sell, continue to be speculated upon by keen observers who suggest that they may be forced into pawning at least one of their prize assets this summer in an effort to appease the vengeful gods of Financial Fair Play.

Judging by his candid chat with the press, Guimaraes would ideally prefer if he was not the player sacrificed, and yet sooner rather than later, you would imagine that Newcastle's resolve will be tested. To that end, perhaps there is a way that the Magpies could soften the blow of losing one of their talismanic figures, even just a little.

Currently, Bobby Clark, son of former Newcastle icon Lee, is on the books at Anfield. Indeed, 2023/24 has been a breakout campaign for the teenager, who has made a dozen senior appearances for the Reds, mainly in the centre of midfield, but occasionally out on the left flank too. All the early signs would suggest that he is a talent of immense potential, and with a very big future at the highest level ahead of him.

Conveniently, Clark also spent seven years as a member of Newcastle's academy system prior to his move to Merseyside in 2021. The Toon are very much in his blood, with his dad even going as far as to suggest that seeing the lad sport the famous black and white stripes would be an 'ultimate dream' of his.

What if, then, any prospective Liverpool swoop for Guimaraes involved Clark shuttling in the opposite direction? Of course, it would, at the present moment in time, be an imbalanced deal, and one that would also require significant lump sum from the Reds to placate Newcastle, but this way, the Magpies could take some consolation in the knowledge that they were bringing in a precocious talent who, in the long term at least, might well provide a worthy alternative to the Brazilian.

Hopefully, it is not a prospect that Eddie Howe's side have to face up to any time soon. But if they are to lose one of their very best, why shouldn't they demand a little sweetener in return?