Howe dismisses talk of Newcastle fans’ favourite Guimaraes moving to Spain

Newcastle boss Eddie Howe has issued a hands-off message to Real Madrid over star midfielder Bruno Guimaraes.

The 24-year-old Brazil international has made a stunning impact in the Premier League since his £35 million January arrival at St James’ Park from Lyon, but has been linked with a move to the Spanish capital in recent days, should Casemiro head for Manchester United.

Askedifhecouldcontemplate allowing Guimaraes to leave, Magpiesheadcoachhowesaid: “No, absolutely not. We’re tryingtobuildasquadherethatwe feel can take the club to be successful over the next few years and want to build that squad andenhancethegroup,nottake away our best players.”

Guimaraes, inset, was thrust into Newcastle's Premier League survival battle last season, as the club’s new owners spent big in the winter transfer window,andhasalreadyestablishedhimselfnotonlyasafans’ favourite on Tyneside, but a player admired more generally for his calmness and ability.

Howe said: “That was an incredible piece of business, really, not just as the footballer as well, you’ve got to consider the person.

“The person is a brilliant lad who came here when the club was in a relegationbattle–youhavetorememberthis–withnoconditions,no way, out, no escape clause and wanted to fight to keep the club inthepremierleague.ithought that showed real human qualities. He was all-in from day one and that’s reflected in how well he’s done here.

“Bruno has just startedhisjourneywithus. We desperately want him to grow with the team, we want him to make the team stronger and to show his qualities even more. That is our aim.”

Newcastle, who have invested in the region of £149m in the last two transfer windows and hope to add to that in the next fortnight, face a stern test of their progress when champions Manchester City arrive in the north-east tomorrow, with Miguel Almirón in particular needing no extra motivation.

The Paraguay international found himself included in an end-of-season jibe aimed at City’s Riyad Mahrez by teammatejackgrealish,whohesaid had been substituted because he had “played like Almirón”.

Askediftheplayerorhisteammatesmightseekretributionon the pitch, Howe said: “We need to play with cool heads.”