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The transfer links are already starting ahead of the January window.

Naturally, Newcastle United are being touted as a landing spot for all manner of players across the game.

With PIF having invested in every transfer window during their ownership thus far, it seems safe to assume they will do so again, albeit there remain FFP concerns.

Still, they aren’t the only links in the news.

Indeed, Bruno Guimaraes has recently been linked with a move to Barcelona.

Though initial reports of the Catalan giants having a special clause to sign the midfielder for cheaper than his reported £100m release clause have been denied by other outlets, Fabrizio Romano has shared some fresh interesting insight.

Bruno Guimaraes to FC Barcelona: Fabrizio Romano shares new update

Indeed, speaking on his ‘Daily Briefing’, Romano confirmed Barcelona remain interested in the former Lyon midfielder.

Still, the player has always been deemed too expensive by those at the Camp Nou.

“As I reported here yesterday, there’s no specific release clause for Barcelona or any specific club into Bruno Guimaraes new deal at Newcastle,” he said.

“The only clause is valid for all the clubs and it’s £100m, as revealed in September. No other clauses, nothing specifically for Barca or anyone else.

“For some context, Barcelona have been following Bruno since he was at Lyon, but he’s way too expensive for Barca so it was never a concrete negotiation. It was impossible to sign Bruno in the summer.

“In any case, my opinion is that £100m is fair price as he’s top player, so if a club decides to trigger that clause it could be a good investment, but there is nothing happening now and I also feel staying at Newcastle at least for one more year would be a smart decision for the player as their project is growing.”

Opinion: Newcastle have safeguarded themselves

At some point, Guimaraes may go.

Liverpool and Chelsea have both been linked, while Real Madrid have also been credited with an interest. To expect him to play for Newcastle for the rest of his career seems somewhat unrealistic.

Still, at least the club have safeguarded themselves against being low-balled. As Romano says, there is no club who will be afforded an easy chance to sign him.

If you want him that badly, pay up.

The £40m spent to sign him looks a huge bargain…