Former Newcastle United manager Steve Bruce believes Bruno Guimaraes holds the key to what what the Magpies are going to do in the January transfer window.
Eddie Howe is currently in the market for a midfielder, with Kalvin Phillips heavily linked with a move to St James’ Park from Manchester City.
It has been claimed that the 28-year-old would like to make the move to the North East, but a deal is yet to come to fruition. It is still a distinct possibility, but it might not happen until the latter part of the month.
A lot of pundits have admitted that Phillips would be a good signing for Newcastle, and that is a stance shared by former Toon boss Steve Bruce. However, he believes that any deal for the England international will depend on how Eddie Howe views Bruno Guimaraes.
Steve Bruce thinks Bruno Guimaraes could impact Newcastle’s Kalvin Phillips interest
Bruce has spoke about Newcastle’s interest in Kalvin Phillips on the latest episode of Sky Sports podcast Retrospect, and admitted that a move might rest on whether the club think Bruno can play in the ‘number eight’ position.
“The kid [Phillips] is a really, really talented player,” he said.
“Does that mean Bruno Guimaraes play as an eight? That’s a question you’d have to ask Eddie.
“From what I seen at the weekend, Guimaraes was head and shoulders above anyone on the pitch. He was fantastic.
“Is he going to play in that six or does he prefer to be higher up the pitch? There is the conundrum that they’ll have.
“There’s no doubt Phillips will improve any squad because of what he is. He’s young, tenacious and as we’ve seen for Leeds and England.
“It hasn’t quite happened for him at Man City for whatever reason. I have to say he’s got Rodri in front of him, who is arguably as good as any midfield player in the league.
“All those questions you weigh up before you dive in to get him. I’m sure that’s the big question – can they play Guimaraes as an eight and bring Kalvin Phillips in?”
Steve Bruce is right about Newcastle superstar Bruno Guimaraes
Other than suggesting that 28-year-old Kalvin Phillips is a young player, Bruce makes a good point.
We have suggested that Phillips is someone who can free up Bruno, with the 26-year-old eager to play in a more advanced role.
But given how good he is as a ‘six’, there might be a reluctance on Newcastle’s part to change his position right now.
As Bruce says, the Brazilian was outstanding during Saturday’s derby victory over Sunderland. He was the best player on the pitch, dominating the midfield and showing the type of passion that you need to succeed in a fixture of such magnitude.
While Bruce was not a popular manager at St James’ Park, he is no stranger to Bruno’s ability. He is clearly a fan of the Newcastle midfielder, and believes he holds the key to the Magpies’ interest in Kalvin Phillips.
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