Man Utd dealt transfer blow as top target Bruno Guimaraes sets out plans for future

Bruno Guimaraes has insisted he is happy with life at Newcastle as he continues to be linked with a move to Manchester United.

Guimaraes has starred for the Magpies since arriving in January 2022 from Lyon, quickly becoming one of the top midfielders in the Premier League. But Eddie Howe’s side have endured a disappointing season and have run into difficulties with Financial Fair Play rules. His performances have caught the eye despite Newcastle’s struggles this campaign. United are thought to be one of the sides interested in him, as new co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe seeks to turn around the Red Devils’ fortunes.

Ratcliffe is set to bring in Newcastle chief Dan Ashworth as sporting director, with Guimaraes being floated as a potential summer target. But the Brazilian has now moved to shut down talk of a possible departure. “I have no thoughts of the future. The present holds 100 percent of my attention. I’m very focused on that, on maintaining this dream of the club qualifying for a European competition. I’m happy and I’m happy here,” he told Globo.

“That’s what I’ve dedicated myself to 100 percent since I signed for the club. I’ve only missed one match. It’s a different season, I’d say. But I still think we can end it in the best possible way, by winning a place in the Conference League, or the Europa League, or maybe the Champions League, however difficult it may be.

“I think every player dreams of playing in the Premier League, and to be completing 100 games for an English team is undoubtedly something that makes me very happy, very fulfilled. There are many more to come, but this milestone is very important.” Guimaraes only signed a new contract in October, with his deal having another four years to run. He has been a key player under boss Howe, with the Englishman keen to keep him at St James’ Park.

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Bruno Guimaraes could benefit from a quirky rule if he is sent off against Tottenham on Saturday

Last week, Howe insisted that Guimaraes had been a rare find by the club’s recruitment team. But he admitted that while he wants to keep him at the club, no guarantees can be made over the midfielder’s future. “Players like Bruno are not around every corner. They are very, very rare. Bruno should be appreciated for everything he brings,” Howe said ahead of last week’s win at Fulham.

“My intention would be to keep Bruno for as long as we possibly can because I can. But I can never make guarantees because that would be absolutely foolish of me. I’ve been in football long enough to know you never know what is going to happen tomorrow. But he’s an integral part of the team and playing really well at the moment. A lot will depend on our ambitions and where the club is going in the foreseeable future. We need to show we’re moving forward.”

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