Newcastle United target Victor Froholdt as Porto set €85m price tag

Newcastle United have identified Porto midfielder Victor Froholdt as one of their leading targets if Bruno Guimarães completes his expected move to Arsenal this summer.

The Magpies are preparing for another major midfield overhaul following Sandro Tonali's departure to Tottenham, with Eddie Howe's recruitment team already drawing up a shortlist of replacements.

However, Porto have made it clear Froholdt will not come cheap.

According to reports in Portugal, Newcastle have tracked Froholdt for more than a year and regularly sent scouts to watch the Danish midfielder during his breakthrough campaign.

Those reports have kept the 20-year-old high on the club's shortlist, with Howe understood to be a strong admirer of his qualities.

As Bruno edges closer to Arsenal, Newcastle are accelerating plans to find a long-term replacement.

Eintracht Frankfurt's Hugo Larsson and Botafogo midfielder Danilo are also among the names under consideration.

Porto have informed Newcastle they will only consider selling Froholdt for a fee close to his €85 million release clause.

The midfielder is under contract until 2030, leaving the Portuguese champions in a strong negotiating position.

While the report suggests Porto could negotiate slightly below the clause, they have no intention of accepting significantly lower offers after Froholdt's impressive first season at the club.

Having signed him from Copenhagen for around €20 million, Porto are in line to make a huge profit should they decide to sell.

Newcastle's pursuit of a new midfielder comes with Bruno Guimarães increasingly expected to join Arsenal.

The Magpies have already lost Sandro Tonali in a big-money transfer this summer and cannot afford to leave themselves short in central midfield.

Froholdt is now emerging as one of the club's preferred options, although Porto's valuation could make any deal difficult to complete.

Newcastle have done much of the groundwork on Victor Froholdt, but convincing Porto to sell will be a significant challenge. Much will depend on whether Bruno Guimarães leaves for Arsenal and whether the Magpies are prepared to meet one of the biggest asking prices in European football this summer.

Newcastle will continue monitoring Froholdt while awaiting developments surrounding Bruno Guimarães' future, with Porto expected to stand firm on their valuation throughout negotiations.