Where Newcastle United stand on Bruno Guimaraes' future after fresh talk of Man United interest
Bruno Guimaraes of Newcastle United
Newcastle United's Bruno Guimaraes(Image: Newcastle United via Getty Images)
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Newcastle United chiefs are staying cool on the increasing talk that Bruno Guimaraes is on Manchester United's shortlist.
Suggestions that Man United want Bruno this summer have been made in the North-West with Old Trafford transfer chief Jason Wilcox believed to have made checks on the midfielder's contract status. But well-placed Toon sources today insisted that reports of "advanced talks" are inaccurate.
What is true is that Newcastle and Bruno's representatives have touched base on talks for a new contract beyond his deal until 2028. Whether those talks resume before or after the World Cup, which could put Bruno's camp in a better bargaining position if he has a good tournament in the US, remains to be seen.
Bruno has always maintained that he wants to "be a Newcastle legend" but any switch to unpopular and bitter rivals would all but end that possibility given the history and hostility between the northern rivals. In the 1990s, Man United lured Andy Cole to the North-West and whittled down a 12-point lead in the title race as Sir Alex Ferguson played mind games with Kevin Keegan, prompting his: "I'd love it if we beat them." rant.
And even in the years that have followed, the rivalry has never died down, with Man United fans still singing songs about Alan Shearer turning them down 30 years ago. From that point of view it would be a hard deal to do but every player has a price and if Man United cough up the £89m expected for his services, factoring in he has just two years left on his deal, Newcastle could see it as a way of reinvesting the money on to the pitch for younger stars.
For now, Newcastle remain mystified at the reports in the UK today via some national outlets. Bruno was in Barcelona to support his team-mates after flying back into Europe from South America this week.
He has undergone rehab for an ankle injury and is desperate to play a part in a late European bid for the Magpies this term. Should that be the case Bruno can go to the World Cup happy having salvaged something from the season.
Bruno's passion for the black-and-white cause was there for all to see last night as he charged out the dugout to protest the first half penalty award after Raphinha had been tugged back by Kieran Trippier. He did not look like a man who was not firnly focused on his current role as leader behind the scenes.
The Brazil star said last year: "I hope to stay much longer. I don't know what the future brings let's see, but I hope to play much more for Newcastle United."
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