Eddie Howe has described talk of Newcastle captain Bruno Guimaraes being in advanced talks with Manchester United as a “waste of my energy”.
The story emerged overnight with United reported to be readying a £70million bid for the Brazil international.
Guimaraes is currently injured and will miss Sunday’s Tyne-Wear derby with Sunderland and Howe was not keen to add fuel to the fire when addressing the subject this morning.
He said: “I don’t even know how to respond to that, I don’t even think I should because it’s a waste of my energy. Bruno’s our captain, he’s fully committed, he’s injured at the moment, his only focus is coming back to fitness.
“For me, it’s a nonsense story. Is it a problem for us? I don’t necessarily think it is a problem for us. But it is unwanted news, I suppose, is the best way to put it. You don’t want the players distracted.
“To say our captain is in discussions with another club is totally disrespectful to Bruno more than anything else. He is totally committed here.”
Romano claims there is interest from Manchester United in Guimaraes
If, as expected, Newcastle miss out on Champions League football next season, the Tyneside club could struggle to hold on to the likes of Guimaraes and his midfield partner Sandro Tonali, who is also reportedly on United’s wishlist.
Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano claims United are interested in Guimaraes but accepts it is always difficult to prise players away from the Saudi Arabian-owned outfit, as Liverpool found last summer before they eventually signed Alexander Isak.
Speaking on the Market Madness podcast, Romano said: “Every day, there is a different story about Manchester United and midfielders.
“I think it’s normal because Man Utd are going to be busy with midfielders this summer, so it could be one or two, so I think it’s going to be a very busy summer in that position for Manchester United.
“At the moment, Bruno is one of many players they appreciate, but I can guarantee that at this stage there are several candidates to become new Man United midfielder.”
Not just Manchester United who would be interested
He added: “Bruno is really appreciated not only by Man United, don’t forget that several clubs around Europe are going to invest in midfielders this summer, so I’m sure he could be part of the conversation. But don’t forget how complicated it is to sign top players from Newcastle.
“There is interest for sure, Manchester United appreciate the player, but I could say the same for six or seven players. They are yet to decide which kind of midfielder they want to add to the squad.
“I think it will also depend on the managerial situation, Champions League football, the budget, so there are several factors before they decide who the player they want is, but the appreciation for Bruno is clear.”
