Newcastle United step up Victor Froholdt pursuit after Bruno Guimarães exit

Newcastle United have stepped up their pursuit of Porto midfielder Victor Froholdt after narrowing their search for Bruno Guimarães' successor.

According to Record and ESPN Brazil, the Danish midfielder has emerged as the Magpies' preferred target, overtaking Botafogo's Danilo in the club's recruitment plans.

Newcastle have monitored Froholdt for several months, but the latest reports suggest the club has now moved from scouting to preparing its next steps.

While no official bid has been submitted, Record claims the 20-year-old now sits at the top of Newcastle's final shortlist.

ESPN Brazil also reports that the Premier League club has shifted its focus towards Froholdt after previously considering Danilo as its primary midfield target.

For now, Newcastle remain in the decision-making phase before opening formal negotiations.

Despite growing Premier League interest, Porto are not concerned about losing the midfielder.

The Portuguese champions expect Froholdt to remain at the Estádio do Dragão this season, with club president André Villas-Boas, head coach Francesco Farioli and the player all reportedly sharing that view.

Champions League football also strengthens Porto's position, with Froholdt set to feature in Europe's elite competition this season.

One major obstacle is Froholdt's €85 million release clause.

Although Newcastle are expected to reinvest much of the money received from Bruno Guimarães' sale, the report claims the club would prefer not to spend almost the entire fee on a single replacement.

That could force the Magpies to negotiate with Porto rather than trigger the release clause outright.

Newcastle are expected to make a final decision on their midfield recruitment strategy before submitting any formal offer. Porto remain relaxed for now, but the situation could develop quickly if the Magpies decide to accelerate talks before the transfer window closes.