LIVERPOOL allegedly failed with a £100million club-record swoop for Bruno Guimaraes during the summer transfer window.
The Brazilian midfielder, 25, joined Newcastle United from Lyon back in January 2022.
Since then he has become a firm favourite on Tyneside and played a huge role in helping them to finish fourth last term and return to the Champions League.
That led to a host of transfer rumours circulating, with Real Madrid linked with a move for Guimaraes.
Meanwhile, with both Jordan Henderson, James Milner, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Fabinho all departing Liverpool over the summer, they were desperate for reinforcements in the middle of the park.