Eddie Howe’s Newcastle United transfer warning amid Bruno Guimaraes links to Real Madrid

Eddie Howe insists Bruno Guimaraes is not for sale amid speculation linking the Brazilian with Real Madrid.

Reports in Spain this week have claimed the 14-time European champions view Guimaraes as their No.1 target to replace the outgoing Casemiro to Manchester United.

The 24-year-old, who signed from Lyon in January, is front and centre of the Magpies’ exciting project - and it is for that exact reason why Guimaraes is extremely unlikely to depart.

Howe, speaking ahead of Sunday’s clash against Manchester City, said: “No, absolutely not. We’re trying to build a squad here that we feel can take the club forward and be successful over the next few years.

“We want to build that squad and enhance the group, not take away our best players.

“Regarding speculation, I’ve got no problem with that as such. It’s a compliment to Bruno and how well he’s done for us.

“He’s been incredible and he’s only going to get better from this point. He is a very valuable member of our team.”

Howe did, however, admit that keeping players like Guimaraes at St James’ Park will ultimately come down to how successful the Magpies are in the coming years.

“Every footballer has different aims and ambitions, and I’m sure Bruno has huge ambitions going forward in his career and I would embrace that because he has the ability to achieve special things.

“But I think we’ve got to try and give him an opportunity and platform to fulfill those dreams here. That’s going to be important for us.”

Howe added: “I think, in part, it’ll come down to how well we perform and where the team goes in terms of satisfying players that do very well for us over an extended period of time.

“Bruno has just started his journey with us, we desperately want him to grow with the team, we want to make the team stronger and to show his qualities even more. That is our aim.

“He has done so well in a short period of time. Supporters love him, we love him. I think he’s in a good place.”