The Toon midfielder was linked with Man United after a report from Brazil sparked panic in the Newcastle fanbase
Bruno Guimaraes taps the Newcastle crest
Newcastle United captain Bruno Guimaraes(Image: Getty Images)
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Newcastle United head coach Eddie Howe has slammed talk that his captain is in discussions with Manchester United.
The Brazil star saw his name in the headlines in the immediate aftermath of the Barcelona defeat, with reports at home and abroad suggesting that Man United transfer chief Jason Wilcox has spoken with the player's agent to check contract terms.
Howe said: "I don't think I have to respond to that. It is a waste of my energy.
"Bruno is our captain and he is fully committed at the moment. He is injured at the moment; his only focus is coming back to fitness."
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Howe was frustrated by his captain being linked with the Old Trafford club, so soon after Man City and Arsenal stories on a possible summer move for Sandro Tonali. Howe was asked if it was a major issue for him and replied:
Howe said: "I am going to be impolite, for me it is a nonsense story. Is it a problem for us? I don't necessarily think it is a problem for us.
"But it is unwanted news, I suppose, is the best way to put it. You don't want the players distracted I don't know how much they will absorb that.
"For me, it is not the time to think about it. In the summer, you can understand those stories a little bit more because the transfer window is open.
"To say our captain is in discussions with another club is totally disrespectful to Bruno more than anything else, he is totally committed here."
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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