Bruno Guimaraes will not leave Newcastle this transfer window, says Eddie Howe, with the Magpies boss stating he will not sell his best players among links with Real Madrid.
Reports have suggested the Champions League holders are sizing up a raid for the Brazil international, who moved to St James Park last season from Lyon, with Madrid facing the potential loss of Casemiro amid Manchester United s push for the midfielder.
Under Howe, Guimaraes has emerged as one of the club s most essential players, and is anticipated to play a crucial role in his first full season in charge.
Asked if Newcastle would consider selling the playmaker if a suitable offer was lodged, Howe was unequivocal that they would not part with his services.
Absolutely not, he stated. We re trying to build a squad to make the club successful over the next few years. We want to enhance the group, not take away our best players. He has been incredible.
I don t mind the speculation. But Bruno has the ability to achieve special things we need to give him [a] platform to achieve those things here.
— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC)
Howe acknowledged a hope to conclude further transfer business before the window shuts too, after a surprisingly quiet period of activity from the Magpies.
Sven Botman, Matt Targett and Nick Pope have all come through the door at St James Park, but further pursuits have been limited for the club, with a degree of caution to their dealings.
I m hopeful we can add a player who can make a difference, Howe added. Time is running out, but I m hopeful one can drop for us.
If there’s another Bruno, please let us know. They don’t grow on trees. It was an incredible piece of business by the club.
He came with no way out, no escape clause he was all in from day one. He s an incredible person, a brilliant lad.
