One of the challenges Newcastle United will invariably start to face in the coming months and years is interest in their players.
While, clearly, the PIF era has so far been about bringing signings into the club, there is always going to be interest in the stars currently clad in black and white, such is the level of their form.
Of course that is true of a lot of other teams competing at the level Newcastle want to get to and it’s all about how decision-makers react to it.
Chelsea and Manchester City, two other examples of clubs who transformed following a takeover, rarely sold players against their will and everything so far is at least pointing towards Newcastle doing the same.
Still, that does not stop the interest.
Bruno Guimaraes again linked with Manchester City
Indeed, Bruno Guimaraes continues to be linked away.
Again, that is true of a lot of players around the world and does not mean the Brazilian will be going anywhere. However, it seems like he will have plenty of offers to do so.
According to The Sunday Mirror (p 78 on 19/03/2023), City are keen to rival Real Madrid in the hunt for the midfielder.
So much so, in fact, they could even throw England international Kalvin Phillips in as part of an £80m deal to land Guimaraes.
Madrid are also said to be keen, having reportedly sounded him out last summer.
Very little reason to sell
At this stage, it’s difficult to imagine the club even considering selling Guimaraes.
The owners have big plans for the club going forward and the Brazil international is absolutely crucial to them.
Supposedly in line for a new contract on Tyneside too, there appears to be little reason to fear an exit for Guimaraes at this stage.
After all, he has constantly spoken of how happy he is at St James’ Park at the moment.
If City want to sign Guimaraes, they are surely going to have to do a lot better than that.