EDDIE Howe admits he can't make any assurances over the future of Bruno Guimaraes, but says the captain knows how "loved" he is at Newcastle United, adding: "Everyone wants him to stay".
Guimaraes is wanted by Arsenal this summer and the Brazilian is believed to have indicated a desire to move to the Premier League champions.
As things stand, despite the constant speculation, Newcastle are yet to receive a concrete offer from Arsenal and are adamant their captain is not for sale.
Bruno is currently on an extended break after playing for Brazil in the World Cup and is due to report back to Newcastle at the end of next week.
RECOMMENDED READING:
Newcastle's best player at Gateshead, goalkeeper intrigue & absent star sorely missed
Eddie Howe's bold prediction as Newcastle United complete signing on five-year deal
Howe has been in contact with his captain and says he's had "very good" conversations throughout the summer.
The head coach is obviously desperate to keep his captain and star man - a stance shared by everyone at the club, he says - but he also admitted there are "conversations he's not part of".
“I've spoken to him as I would do Bruno normally," said Howe after Saturday's 1-1 pre-season friendly draw with Gateshead.
"He's just a fantastic person. We’ve had some really good conversations, both before, during and after the World Cup.
“What we speak about, obviously, has to remain private, but [he’s] just a great player, a great person.
“I don't know what's going to happen with Bruno's future. That's for other people to, one, speculate about, but also conversations that I'm not part of.”
Twelve months ago, Newcastle lost star striker Alexander Isak after a summer-long transfer saga.
Isak reported back for the start of pre-season a year ago but the striker then went on "strike" to force the Liverpool move.
When Howe was asked whether he has any fears Bruno will follow suit, he said: "I don't think it's fair to compare situations and what happened previously. I think you've got to look at it in its own right.
"Bruno is captain of our football club, he's been an unbelievable player and person all through the time that we've worked together.
"I speak on behalf of everyone at the football club: we absolutely love him. And of course, everyone would want him to stay."
Bruno is due to report back the day Newcastle's squad head out to Spain for their pre-season training trip.
Howe said: "The plan off the top of my head, I think it's the 31st he's due back.
"He gets an extended break because he went further in the competition, and he's enjoying a holiday at the moment with his family."