According to ESPN Brasil journalist Felipe Silva, Newcastle United have been tracking André Luiz as they draw up contingency plans for their engine room. Guimarães has attracted significant interest from across the continent this summer and while no departure is confirmed, the club are preparing for the possibility that their captain and talisman could be sold in the coming months.
André Luiz is not a new name in European football circles. AC Milan went furthest in their pursuit earlier this year, reaching the stage of formal negotiations before the deal collapsed over a disagreement between the clubs on the financial structure.
The breakdown centred on Corinthians' valuation of 70 per cent of André's economic rights — the share the club controls — at around €15 million to €18 million, with Milan unwilling to match the asking price in full. Juventus also showed interest during the same window, with the player's representatives travelling to Turin for discussions.
That level of sustained European attention speaks to the strength of the underlying interest in a teenager who has developed rapidly from Corinthians' youth academy.
André has scored three goals in 23 appearances across all competitions this season, and he averages around four ball recoveries and 2.3 tackles per game alongside an 84 per cent pass success rate. Those defensive metrics, combined with his ability to carry the ball forward and break lines, draw comparisons to the profile that made Guimarães himself so sought-after.
The situation around the player is not without complications. André has received two red cards in recent weeks, and reports from Brazil describe him as prone to lapses in composure under pressure.
Those around him at Corinthians have attributed the discipline issues and a recent dip in form partly to the intensity of the transfer speculation, which has accelerated faster than many at the club anticipated for a teenager. Internally, there is strong support for him and confidence that the inconsistency is temporary.
Corinthians are open to a deal. Their director of football has described André as one of the club's most valuable transfer assets, and the feeling inside the club is that this summer represents the right moment to sell. His price is set at around €20 million for 70 per cent of his rights, with the player himself willing to waive his own financial stake in the deal to help facilitate a move to Europe.
Newcastle's entry into the picture adds Premier League weight to a pursuit that previously centred on Serie A. Whether they are prepared to move ahead of the World Cup — or wait to see how André develops over the next two months — will determine the shape of any deal.