Newcastle United have identified some midfield targets with Bruno Guimaraes' future increasingly uncertain.
News broke on Wednesday that the Brazilian had told club chiefs that he wants to pursue a move away from St James' Park.
Arsenal are poised to launch a bid for the Toon skipper, having informed both Newcastle and the player of their interest, but a deal is likely to be expensive.
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Toon prepare for life without their talisman in midfield
The Magpies have reiterated their stance that Guimaraes is not for sale, but the same was said about Alexander Isak last summer before the Sweden international eventually forced a move to Liverpool.
However, with Sandro Tonali already departing Newcastle for Spurs earlier this summer, it's difficult to believe that both would be allowed to depart in the same window.
Nevertheless, Newcastle appear to be preparing for the worst by eyeing up two potential replacements for their captain.
According to The Athletic Monaco midfielder Lamine Camara has been tracked long term, along with Auxerre’s Kevin Danois. Both are 22-years-old.
The Magpies have identified several targets in case anyone departs, with The Athletic's report also claiming the club will look to replace anyone who leaves.
Meanwhile, youngster Sean Steur's arrival from Ajax is set to be announced in the coming days and move for Johan Manzambi, who has impressed at the World Cup, is also expected once Switzerland's campaign comes to an end.
Regardless of who they bring in, it will be interesting to see Newcastle's starting XI come the opening day of next season.
With the arrivals of 20-year-olds Bazoumana Toure and Ewen Jaouen already this window, it's likely it'll look very different to how it did at the end of last season, and much younger.
Anthony Gordon has also left the club this summer in a big-money move to Barcelona, and former club captain Kieran Tripper has signed for Wolves.
