Chelsea are reportedly keen to explore the possibility of signing Newcastle United midfielder Bruno Guimaraes during the January transfer window.

The 24-year-old moved to Newcastle from Lyon in January, and he has impressed during his time at St James' Park, scoring seven times and registering three assists in 27 appearances in all competitions.

Guimaraes has also been in strong form during the 2022-23 campaign, contributing two goals and two assists in 10 appearances in all competitions.

The Brazil international has a contract with Eddie Howe's side until June 2026, but there has recently been speculation surrounding his future, with Manchester City said to be showing an interest.

According to journalist Simon Phillips, Chelsea have also identified Guimaraes as a possible addition, with the Blues keen to boost their midfield options in 2023.

Phillips claims that Ajax's Edson Alvarez, Brighton & Hove Albion's Moises Caicedo and Juventus' Weston McKennie are also on Chelsea's shortlist at this moment in time.

Meanwhile, West Ham United's Declan Rice and Borussia Dortmund's Jude Bellingham remain ambitious targets for Graham Potter's side.

"I've been told at the moment, Chelsea are looking at Edson Alvarez from Ajax, Moises Caicedo from Brighton, Weston McKennie from Juventus, and Bruno Guimaraes from Newcastle. The latter seems ambitious. Chelsea have a shortlist of midfielders they are looking at for a priority area in January, and again in the summer," Phillips told GIVEMESPORT.

"Declan Rice is more possible come the summer rather than in January, same goes for Jude Bellingham, but I think he goes to either Liverpool or Real Madrid."

Newcastle boss Howe recently said that Guimaraes has the potential to become a legend for the club if he remains for a number of years.

"We desperately want him to be happy here and see a long-term vision here, but time will tell on that. We have to build positively. As long as a player sees an ambition in the club, hopefully we can fulfil the needs of everyone here. We are in the early stages of that so we don't want to disturb that," he told reporters.

"He has done unbelievably well, the thing that has pleasantly surprised me is the relationship between me and him, and the squad. He has fitted in so well. He has epitomised the team spirit and the drive we need to be successful and the fans have seen that and really taken to him.

"I am new here so I am aware of the Newcastle legends of the past and I want my players to aspire to be the next one and if that is part of his motivation then I am all for it. He has the ability to be one of those players, but he has a long way to get there."

Guimaraes has played a key role in the run of form that has seen Newcastle win four of their last six games in the Premier League to rise into fourth position in the table. body check tags ::