Newcastle ‘make contact with Victor Froholdt’s agent but face two issues over landing £73m Bruno Guimaraes replacement’

NEWCASTLE have reached out to the best player in Portugal as they search for Bruno Guimaraes’ successor, according to reports. With the Magpies’ Brazilian superstar seeking a multi-million pound move to Arsenal, Newcastle have been exploring a potential bid for Porto‘s Victor Froholdt. Victor Froholdt’s representatives have been contacted but his release clause is sky-high Credit: Getty Newcastle have made enquiries after the Dane’s sensational debut season in Portugal Credit: Shutterstock Editorial The Tyneside outfit are understood to have moved beyond merely scouting the midfielder, and have approached Froholdt’s agents to gauge interest in a move to the Premier League. However, any attempt to entice Porto’s leading light to St James’ Park will have to overcome significant personal and financial barriers. Sign up for the Football newsletter Thank you! If Newcastle were to formally approach the Portuguese giants about their 20-year-old starlet, they would have to be prepared to meet a hefty €85million release clause (roughly £73 million). Porto’s No8 recently underlined a dream debut season by scooping up the league’s two biggest individual accolades, winning Player of the Year and Young Player of the Year alongside the Primeira Liga title. Although Newcastle’s plush Saudi owners may not be deterred by the Dane’s sky-high valuation, they could struggle to move past Froholdt’s personal attachment to Porto. Two days ago, the box-to-box midfielder secured yet more silverware in Portugal‘s second city by heading home the winning goal in the Portuguese Super Cup. Speaking shortly after claiming the trophy, Froholdt was quick to spurn any speculation over his future at the Estadio Do Dragao. In the Dane’s own dismissive words: “People talk about taking the next step, but for me, FC Porto is a huge club. Most read in Sport CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS Froholdt’s personal commitment to his current club could be the biggest obstacle to a deal Credit: Getty “I’m already focused on the next game, for the championship. “I like being here. Now, let’s go all out for the championship.” Newcastle had been scouting the midfield maestro prior to his £18m move to Porto last summer, but have ramped up their interest amid Arsenal‘s attempts to poach Bruno Guimaraes. The Magpies rejected a bid for their captain earlier today, but are battling against the allure of the Premier League champions, alongside the Brazilian’s personal wish to leave. Tyneside has already been rocked by a whirlwind summer window. League Cup winning manager Eddie Howe confirmed his shock resignation last week, while superstars Sandro Tonali and Anthony Gordon have jetted off for a combined £169m. Five fresh faces have touched down at St James’ Park in the meantime, alongside a new manager in Matthias Jaissle. Comment now