Bruno Guimaraes contract update as Newcastle United ‘hopeful’ over new deal

Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has revealed Bruno Guimaraes has returned from international duty with ‘a spring in his step’ as talks over his future at St James Park continue.

The former Lyon midfielder is reportedly close to agreeing a new contract with the Magpies after becoming an integral figure in Howe’s plans since he made a £40m move to Tyneside just over 18 months ago.

Guimaraes has scored ten goals and provided six assists in 61 appearances in all competitions during that time and his form was a key reason why Howe’s side preserved their Premier League status during his first six months at the club before securing a place in the Champions League with a top four finish last season.

The 25-year-old struggled to reach his usual high standards during the opening month of the Premier League season - but showed signs of a return to form during two eye-catching performances during the international break for Brazil.

Guimaraes earned his fourteen and fifteenth senior caps for his country in World Cup qualifying wins over Peru and Bolivia and provided an assist for Real Madrid star Rodrygo during a 5-1 hammering of the latter.

Ahead of Saturday’s home game with Brentford, Magpies boss Howe revealed talks over a new deal have not impacted on Guimaraes ‘in any way’ and believes his impressive international form has had a positive effect on the Brazil star.

When asked about if an agreement over a new deal had been reached, Howe said: “No I don’t think so, discussions are still ongoing - but I think it’s not something that’s necessarily affecting Bruno in any way.

“This is done without his input, it’s between his representatives and the football club. Hopefully there’ll be a good outcome.

“He’s been very good, very positive. I think he’s had a great experience, two games, I think he performed really well in both. He’s come back with a renewed spring in his step, which is great for us. He’s a pivotal figure for us, he’s a catalyst for a lot of our good work, good football and we need him at our very best.”