Newcastle United are in a position where their key players could leave the club in the summer.
The Magpies are enjoying a fine season in the Premier League and in domestic competitions – things could get much better for Newcastle United with a win on Saturday.
Newcastle travel to Birmingham City for their FA Cup fourth-round clash – Toon boss Eddie Howe will be keen to carry the momentum from Newcastle’s win against Arsenal on Wednesday night into this game. By no means will it be an easy tie. Birmingham are top of League One and have lost just once at home all season.
The aim on Tyneside is to return to the Champions League after missing out on playing it this season. Newcastle will be in a good position to play European football if they beat Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final in March.
It is believed that Alexander Isak could leave Newcastle if they do not qualify for Champions League football. Sporting director Paul Mitchell is due to begin fresh contract talks with Isak at the end of the season.
Now, a new report has claimed that Newcastle will begin contract talks with another important star in an attempt to fight off any interested parties.
Newcastle set to hand Bruno Guimaraes new contract
Bruno Guimaraes was named Newcastle captain at the start of the season – he has been a fantastic leader of the squad since taking up the role.
So far this season, Guimaraes has missed just one game in all competitions all season, the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final against Arsenal. It is unknown whether he will be in line to feature against Birmingham on Saturday night, however.
According to TeamTalk, Newcastle are working hard to tie Guimaraes down to a new contract to fend off interest from Manchester City. Reports earlier in the week suggested Manchester City want to sign Guimaraes in the summer.
However, it is believed that the 27-year-old is happy at Newcastle and is relishing his new role within the squad.
The report suggests that Guimaraes, whose contract runs out in 2028, will be given a salary increase which is not expected to be significantly more than the £160,000-a-week he currently earns. He will maintain his status as Newcastle’s highest earner.
The Brazilian’s work as club captain has been felt off the pitch as well as on it. Guimaraes dedicated the Arsenal win to Newcastle legend Rob Lee who missed the game after having an operation.
How much Newcastle would sell Bruno Guimaraes for
While Newcastle are keen to tie Guimaraes down to a new deal, there is still the chance he could leave the club if they do not qualify for the Champions League next season. It is the same case for the likes of Isak and Anthony Gordon.
Reports in January suggested that Barcelona wanted Guimaraes and were even willing to sell assets to land the Brazilian.
However, it is believed that Newcastle would only accept bids in the region of £100m to allow Guimaraes to leave the club in the summer.
The Spanish giants have held a long-term interest in the 27-year-old – Barcelona scouts watched Guimaraes in February 2024 ahead of a summer approach that seemingly never happened.
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