Former Valencia, Barcelona and Middlesbrough midfielder Gaizka Mendieta has said Bruno Guimaraes would 'suit Jose Mourinho's style' at Real Madrid, as the Spanish giants search for a new midfielder this summer.
Mendieta also criticised Newcastle's transfer policy, saying the club's 'project is being built in a strange way'.
Arsenal interest and Newcastle stance
Speculation persists around the future of Newcastle's captain, with Arsenal keen to sign the Brazil international this summer. It is understood the 28-year-old would be keen to join the Premier League champions, but there has been no club-to-club contact so far. Newcastle do not want to lose him after the sales of Anthony Gordon and Sandro Tonali already this summer.
Guimaraes has two years left on his contract at St James' Park and will always command interest from elsewhere because of his performances over four-and-a-half years on Tyneside.
Newcastle's transfer strategy
United want Guimaraes to lead them into a new era, with this summer's transfer window seeing the club buying young players for high value outside of the Premier League. However, Mendieta is at odds with that policy.
"The Newcastle project is being built in a strange way," Mendieta told BetVictor. "Once you start something, it makes sense to continue. While I am sure they have a plan, it looks odd from the outside."
Guimaraes as a Real Madrid target
Mendieta believes Guimaraes would solve Real Madrid's midfield issue if they cannot sign Rodri from Manchester City. "Bruno Guimarães is a great player who can play as a number six or a box-to-box midfielder. He scores goals and can shoot from distance. He would suit Jose Mourinho's style well. Real Madrid might also need someone more static in that role."
"We will see what happens with Camavinga and Tchouaméni. A profile like Rodri is what Madrid needs. We'll see how much money they are willing to spend to build this amazing team. I see a Rodri-style player as more of a necessity for Real Madrid right now, but it depends on Mourinho's tactical preferences."
Guimaraes remains on holiday with his family after the World Cup and will join back up with Newcastle later in pre-season.
