Bruno Guimaraes pictured with Newcastle United transfer target & West Ham star

The 26-year-old is yet to link up with his Magpies teammates ahead of the new campaign after being handed extra-time following his involvement at the Copa America with Brazil.

This week, Guimaraes has been back in his native Brazil and on Friday night was pictured hanging out with West Ham United star Lucas Paqueta. Both midfielders and their partners attended the baby shower of Atalanta midfielder Ederson, a player recently tracked by Newcastle’s recruitment team.

Posting on Instagram, Guimaraes uploaded a photo of him, Paqueta and Ederson and congratulated the latter with a message that read “Congratulations brother Ederson, may Matteo come in good health.”

Reports in January claimed head of recruitment Steve Nickson watched Ederson during Atalanta’s 5-0 victory over Frosinone. A move was rumoured, however, United didn’t recruit sign a single player that month amid pressures to comply with Premier League Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR).

Ederson’s name has dropped out off the radar this summer as Newcastle focus their attentions elsewhere. With Sandro Tonali returning in August and Guimaraes staying put after his £100million release clause expired, signing a midfielder isn’t currently viewed as a priority. However, a centre-back and forward is.

“I think Bruno’s going to stay,” Joelinton told reporters in Germany last week. “He tells me he’s going to come back next week (from a post-Copa America break) and get ready for the season. I know him, he loves the club.  “He loves the fans, he enjoys his life in Newcastle. I think he’s glad to be there for his life as well as for football. I hope my (on-field) relationship with Bruno can help get me back into the national team but my first focus is Newcastle.”

Guimaraes is due to link up with Newcastle for their trip to Toyko next week, which sees them take on Urawa Red Diamonds and Yokohama F.Marinos.