Newcastle United star Bruno Guimaraes has been told he is good enough to play for La Liga giants Real Madrid and Barcelona.

The Brazil international has quickly become a key figure within Eddie Howe’s squad after moving to Tyneside in a £38million deal from Ligue 1 club Lyon in January.

Guimaraes hit an unexpected run of goalscoring form during his opening months at St James Park, netting five goals in 17 appearances to help lead United away from the Premier League relegation zone and secure a mid-table finish.

A hamstring injury suffered in the Carabao Cup win at Tranmere Rovers has limited the 24-year-old to four starts in the Premier League - but he has now linked up with the Brazil squad as they continue their preparations for the World Cup later this year.

The Selecao will face Ghana and Tunisia in a friendly double-header held in France over the coming days and he heads into those games with the words of endorsement from his former coach ringing in his ears.

Tiago Nunes worked alongside Guimaraes during his time with Athletico Paranaense and the Magpies midfielder made a big impression on the renowned coach.

When asked to name the best player he’s coached, the renowned coach told Spanish outlet Sport: “Bruno Guimaraes without a doubt

“He is a very complete midfielder who seems to have four eyes. He plays with a camera above his head, he has 360-degree vision.

“I remember, when I had him at Paranaense, that Benfica asked me if he had the level and I told them no, that he had the level to play for Barça, Madrid and Mars if he wanted to.

“But they didn’t sign him and he went first to France and then to England.”

Guimaraes could add to his eight Brazil caps when they face Ghana in Le Havre on Friday night.

Newcastle United star ‘at the level’ to play for Real Madrid and Barcelona