Alan Shearer makes exciting Bruno Guimaraes prediction that Newcastle United fans will LOVE

Newcastle United legend Alan Shearer has tipped Bruno Guimaraes to play a “leading role” in how the club evolves over the next few years.

The Magpies jumped in ahead of Arsenal and other European clubs during the January transfer window to sign the Brazilian from Lyon in a deal worth around £35million.

Guimaraes is just three months into his United career but supporters have been quick to laud the midfielder as a “class above”.

With his first five Newcastle appearances coming from off the bench, the central midfielder has started four of the last five games - scoring a delightful backheel volley on his full debut against Southampton.

Guimaraes marked his full St James’ Park debut on Friday with a man-of-the-match display in the 1-0 victory that lifted Eddie Howe’s men 10 points above the Premier League relegation zone.

Shearer, Newcastle’s record goalscorer, has heaped praise on the Brazil international and believes he has a “leading role” to play in the near future.

‘He can play a leading role’ - Shearer on Bruno

“I’ve been really impressed with him,” Shearer told NUFCTV. “I think he can play a leading role in where Newcastle go over the next few years.

“He couldn’t get in the team to begin with due to the form of others but he’ll be a regular for years to come, If he wants to stay here and play a part, which I’m sure he does.

“I like everything I see about him. I like his aggression, passing ability and he seems to enjoy this environment.

“He seems to have enjoyed the reception he’s had off the Newcastle fans, and they like what they’ve seen already.

“Long may that continue.”

Guimaraes was one of five January signings, including Kieran Trippier, Chris Wood, Matt Targett and Dan Burn, all of which have helped United climb out of the drop zone and into a healthy 15th place.

Shearer on January transfer business

Shearer says the winter transfer business was crucial to Newcastle’s survival bid as he predicts another rebuild in the summer should top-flight, as expected, be confirmed.

The 51-year-old said: “Signing players in January was huge and signing some good players and characters.

“The money that was spent, around about £80m-90m, was huge for the football club and exactly what it needed, otherwise it would have been a long, hard struggle.

“There were a lot of people who were doubting Newcastle and had to because of the position they were in and the form they were showing.

“Eddie’s come in and done really well. (He’s) settled everything down, brought in the players needed at this stage to take Newcastle out of the relegation zone.

“It’s a matter of sealing Premier League safety before looking to build again in the summer.”