Newcastle United furiously respond to Bruno Guimaraes to Manchester United claim - 'disrespectful'
Newcastle United have responded to reports in Brazil claiming Manchester United are in advanced talks with Bruno Guimaraes.
Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe has furiously hit back at Brazilian reports claiming Manchester United are in advanced talks with Bruno Guimaraes.
Newcastle fans were sent into a frenzy on Thursday when reputable publication Reuters claimed the Red Devils were in talks over a £69million move, though could face competition from Real Madrid.
Newcastle United officially respond to Bruno Guimaraes to Manchester United talks
Speaking ahead of Sunday’s Tyne-Wear derby clash against Sunderland, Howe used the opportunity to shut down the story.
Howe told NewcastleWorld: “I don't even know how to respond to that, I don't even think I should because it's a waste of my energy. Bruno's our captain, he's fully committed, he's injured at the moment, his only focus is coming back to fitness.”
When pressed further, Howe delivered a stronger response, using words such as “nonsense” and “disrespectful”.
Howe said: “No, I'm not going to be [impolite], because I don't think it's the forum to do that in, but for me it's a nonsense story.”
Guimaraes isn’t the only Newcastle star to be linked with an exit this summer, with Sandro Tonali, Tino Livramento and Anthony Gordon subject to speculation in recent months.
“Is it a problem for us? I don't necessarily think it's a problem for us, but it's unwanted news, I suppose is the best way to put it,” Howe said. “You don't want your players distracted. I don't know how much they'll absorb that, but for me it's not the time to think about that.
“In the summer you can sort of understand those stories a little bit more, because the transfer window's open. But to say our captain's in discussions with another club, I think is totally disrespectful to Bruno, more than anybody else. He's totally committed here.”
Bruno Guimaraes’ contract at Newcastle United
Guimaraes joined the Magpies from Lyon for £40m in January 2024 and has gone on to achieve legendary status after last year lifting the Carabao Cup to end the club’s 56-year trophy drought.
The 28-year-old is under contract at St James’ Park until 2028, having last signed an extension in October 2023.
The Brazilian midfielder has been sidelined with a hamstring injury since the beginning of February but hopes to return for the visit to Crystal Palace after the international break.