Bruno Guimaraes made transfer feelings clear after being 'touted' as Martin Zubimendi alternative

Where does Liverpool turn next? The fallout from its failure to secure Martin Zubimendi is currently unleashing a mushroom cloud of negativity across the Reds’ sections of social media, with the Spaniard’s decision to remain in his homeland leaving Arne Slot’s squad light on defensive midfield quality.

None of the existing options within the squad have fully convinced. Liverpool’s new head coach does not appear to have taken to Wataru Endo , while the likes of Stefan Bajcetic and Tyler Morton are too callow for Slot to rely upon for the entirety of a very testing campaign.

One possible answer who has been ‘touted’ is Newcastle midfielder Bruno Guimaraes, at least according to The Athletic . However, the outlet also notes that the Reds are not looking to sign the 26-year-old, and even if they were, he has already made his views on a potential exit from his current club clear.

READ MORE: Liverpool and Arne Slot should rule out one option after Martin Zubimendi transfer collapse

READ MORE: Liverpool should switch to $82m superstar after Martin Zubimendi because he's ideal for Arne Slot

Having been publicly burned by the Zubimendi saga, it’s possible Richard Hughes is now keeping his powder dry regarding targets, Guimaraes or otherwise. Equally, it’s getting a little late in the window for poker moves and five-dimensional chess strategies.

Having reportedly unsettled Anthony Gordon with its approach earlier this summer , Liverpool’s advances for any other Newcastle player is unlikely to be welcomed by the Magpies. Even if a bid for Guimaraes were to be accepted, the midfielder has recently stated that he is not looking for a fresh start.

“I am here and never said I would like to leave,” he said last week. ”Since I signed I want to put my name in club history and nothing changes. This is not something I get involved in, it is with my agent. I don’t know anything about it… my focus is Newcastle and I am very happy.”

"I want to win some trophies,” Guimaraes continued. “When I came I said I wanted to play in the Champions League and everyone said I am crazy! Now I want to be there again and win something. We work hard for it.”

With Newcastle having no European football this season, Guimaraes could return to the Champions League far sooner with Liverpool. It appears he is as unavailable to the Reds as Zubimendi is though.

Liverpool.com says: Whether Liverpool is interested or not, pivoting from Zubimendi to Guimaraes doesn't make too much sense. FBRef's data paints the former as like Endo whereas the latter is more of an Alexis Mac Allister type. But either way, the solution to the Reds' defensive midfield conundrum looks likely to lie elsewhere.