Newcastle United will always be 'fighting' to keep hold of Bruno Guimaraes amid interest elsewhere, according to former Magpies number nine Andy Cole. The Brazil international has been one of the standout performers in the Premier League since arriving at St James' Park in January 2022.
Eddie Howe initially used Guimaraes as a substitute in his first weeks on Tyneside as the Magpies gathered momentum in their survival bid. However, the former Lyon star netted a sublime backheel winner on his first start at Southampton and has since remained an integral member of the starting eleven.
Guimaraes' form has inevitably attracted attention from elsewhere, with the midfielder himself admitting having a 'conversation' with Real Madrid over a prospective move last summer. Barcelona are the latest side linked, although a recent suggestion that Newcastle have offered the 25-year-old in a part-exchange offer for Raphinha have been dismissed as laughable.
United are said to be closing in on agreeing a new deal with Guimaraes, with three years still left to run on his current contract. However, Cole fears his former side will always be in a position of fending off interested clubs, and believes an exit will come down to the player's own wishes.
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He told Genting Casino: "Newcastle United will always find themselves in a position fighting to keep Bruno Guimaraes at the club. It's a lot easier now they have Champions League football, but it's down to Guimaraes whether he wants to stay or leave for another club."
