Newcastle United

Newcastle United

Premier League • England

Eddie Howe stops Real Madrid in tracks over move for Newcastle star who signed with ‘no escape clause’

Bruno Guimaraes is one of Newcastle United's best players

Bruno Guimaraes is one of Newcastle United's best players

Eddie Howe says he has “no problem” with the transfer speculation concerning Bruno Guimaraes, who he believes is only going to improve at Newcastle, but he has told Real Madrid to forget about trying to sign the player.

Casemiro’s impending move to Manchester United has left Real with a starting hole to fill at the Bernabeu. And Guimaraes is the man “top of the list,” according to AS.

The Spanish outlet report that Carlo Ancelotti is hunting for a ready-made replacement for club legend Casemiro. Real are not understood to have made any move for Guimaraes as yet and the report accepts that a move for the 24-year-old would be difficult.

But Howe has quickly tried to nip the developing story in the bud by saying the Brazilian is not for sale.

The source suggest Newcastle would reluctantly do business if Real doubled the £40m that the Geordies paid for Guimaraes in January. Howe though refused to even contemplate his sale in Friday.

Asked if he would think about selling Guimaraes, Howe said: “No, absolutely not.

“We’re trying to build a squad here that we feel can take the club to be successful over the next few years, and 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, I think – and I think he’s only going to get better from this point.

“He’s a very valuable member of our team.

“You have to consider the person as well. Bruno is a brilliant lad who came here when the club was in a relegation battle with no conditions and no way out, no escape clause. He wanted to fight and that showed real human qualities. He was all in from day one and that is reflected in how well he’s done here.”

Howe said: “If there was another Bruno – please let us know. They don’t grow on trees let me tell you, that was an incredible piece of business really. Not just as the footballer as well.

Howe believes that Newcastle can match the ambition of Guimaraes, who scored five goals in 17 Premier League appearances last season.

Howe to build around Guimaraes?

The Toon boss added: “I think every footballer has different aims and ambitions. I am sure Bruno has huge aims and ambitions going forward in his career.

“And I really embrace that because he needs to have as he has the ability to achieve special things. I think we have to give him a platform and an opportunity to achieve those aims here. That’s going to be important for us.”

Guimaraes has played every minute of Newcastle’s two games so far this season. And he is clearly the man Howe wants to build around.

The player, who has dual citizenship, was an astute signing earlier this year and one regarded highly on Tyneside.

Real though armed with around £60m they will receive from Man Utd for Casemiro do have the spending power to turn heads. And an £80m offer for the player would present Newcastle with a dilemma.

With the backing from PIF would they stick to their plan? They surely do not need the money. Or would they consider doubling their money in eight months too good a deal to refuse?