‘He tells me’ - Newcastle United teammate drops huge Bruno Guimaraes transfer hint amid Man City links
Newcastle United are positive about keeping Bruno Guimaraes amid reported Manchester City interest
Joelinton believes Bruno Guimaraes will snub Manchester City interest and stay at Newcastle United.
A bumper contract extension last summer did little to negate speculation linking Guimaraes with a St James’ Park exit. The midfielder is on a reported £180,000 per week - making him United’s highest-paid player ever.
However, the 26-year-old had a £100million release clause inserted into the deal. That condition expired last month, giving Newcastle control for the rest of the summer.
While Paris Saint-Germain have been linked, Man City are the club tracking Guimaraes the most. Pep Guardiola is understood to be a keen admirer of the Brazilian - and even spoke publicly about the player in March.
The Daily Star claimed earlier this week that City would consider shipping Rico Lewis or Oscar Bobb out on loan as bait in any potential deal. Joelinton - his best friend on Tyneside - expects Guimaraes to stay put.
He also hopes that Guimaraes' return will bolster his international dream after missing out on the Copa America with Brazil. Joelinton said: “I think Bruno’s going to stay. 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.”