‘You never know’ - Sergio Aguero names Newcastle United star who 'matches' Man City

Sergio Aguero believes Bruno Guimaraes would be tailor-made for Pep Guardiola at Manchester City.

The Brazilian was visibly dejected after Newcastle United’s defeat at the Etihad before the international break. That loss crushed the Magpies’ hopes of winning silverware this season as well as another potential avenue for European football.

Toon fans feared the worst when reading Guimaraes’ social media post after the game. The midfielder wrote: “Struggling to find words now! (I am) disappointed to not go through in the FA Cup. We still have 10 games in the Premier League to save our season. We count on our fans as always.”

Many cynically took this as a message hinting at his possible exit this summer. Reports have refused to go away linking Guimaraes with a move despite penning a new contract in October. In truth, his bumper contract extension - worth a reported £160,000 per week - only amplified noise regarding his future. NewcastleWorld understands the 26-year-old has a £100million release clause in his Toon contract.

Man City are one of several clubs rumoured to be chasing Guimaraes. Liverpool and Paris Saint-Germain are also linked, with Newcastle CEO Darren Eales hinting in January that players may need to be sold to create “headroom” regarding FFP/PSR.

Now City legend Aguero has named Guimaraes as a player who “matches” City’s style - a remark that is likely to unnerve Newcastle supporters. He told Stake.com: "I haven't been following the trade market. There's usually a lot of chatter in the months leading to the window and you never know how it plays out. Bruno's (Guimaraes) style as a midfielder matches City's. That much I can say, but I wouldn't be able to tell you more than that."