Newcastle United are “pretty confident” of keeping Brazil midfielder Bruno Guimarães at the club.
That is according to journalist Pete O’Rourke, who was speaking to This Is Futbol about the latest transfer news at St James’ Park.
Barcelona and Real Madrid have been linked with a move for Guimarães since the conclusion of the transfer window, despite the 24-year-old only signing for the Magpies in January for a fee of £40m.
However, Newcastle director of football Dan Ashworth has revealed that the club plan to offer the Brazilian a new contract to fend off interest from interested European clubs.
And O’Rourke believes that Newcastle won’t be entertaining any offers that come their way for Guimarães’ services.
He said: “I think Newcastle are pretty confident that they can keep hold of Guimarães and prove to him their ambition with their project going forward.
“It’s obviously very flattering for the player that other clubs are looking at him, but I’m sure Newcastle won’t be looking to entertain any offers for him.”
TIF Thoughts on O’Rourke’s comments…
We believe that Newcastle fans would be delighted if Guimarães, who has previously been dubbed as a “maverick” by Darren Bent, was to sign a new deal at St James’ Park, with the midfielder being a revelation in the north-east.
The eight-time Brazil international has scored seven goals and provided three assists in 28 appearances for Eddie Howe’s side, suggesting he has the creative ability to change games from the middle of the park.
Guimaraes will be hoping he can showcase that ability at this month’s World Cup, though should he make Tite’s squad, Newcastle will perhaps be hoping that he doesn’t cause a clamour for his services.
But with Brazil set to be one of the favourites to go all the way in Qatar, that may be easier said than done – especially if the Toon ace can carry his current form into the tournament.
The former Lyon man is also an exceptional tackler of the ball, as shown by the fact that he ranks in the top 2% of midfielders across Europe’s top five leagues and European competition for tackles per 90 minutes (3.49) over the last 365 days, according to FBref.
Therefore, we think Newcastle should be doing everything in their power to get Guimarães to sign a new deal on Tyneside ahead of the January transfer window – and O’Rourke’s claims certainly suggest they will aim to do just that.