Newcastle United midfielder Bruno Guimaraes will be ‘knocking on the door’ of manager Eddie Howe in order to secure regular game time, according to Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie.

The 24-year-old arrived at St. James’ Park from Lyon during the January transfer window after completing a £40 million switch but has struggled for game time during his short stay.

What is the latest news involving Guimaraes?

Guimaraes became Newcastle’s third signing of the winter after they agreed a package of £33.3m plus around £6.5m in add-ons with the Ligue 1 outfit, with Sky Sports claiming Arsenal, Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain were also interested.

However, the Brazil international has been unable to cement his place in the starting XI since completing his big-money move.

The dramatically improved form of both Jonjo Shelvey and Joelinton saw Guimaraes have to settle for cameo appearances off the substitutes bench for his first five outings in Newcastle colours.

But the South American star was awarded his first start against Southampton last time out, and he certainly grasped his opportunity to impress with both hands.

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Howe claimed that Guimaraes is "capable of the unexpected" after his most expensive signing to date scored a spectacular winner on his full debut in midweek, with his strike enough to seal a 2-1 victory over the Saints.

And the defensive-minded dynamo will surely be hoping his eye-catching display on the south coast will be enough to secure him some regular game time between now and the end of the season.

What has Downie said about Guimaraes?

Guimaraes had to wait over a month to feature from the off for the first time for his new club, something that was perhaps unexpected given his high-profile arrival.

And Downie believes the Brazilian will be ‘chomping at the bit’ for more first-team opportunities.

He told GiveMeSport: “But without doubt, he will be knocking on the door, chomping at the bit, as they say, to play, because he didn't come to Newcastle from Lyon in a £40 million transfer to sit on the bench.”

Are Newcastle already safe from relegation?

When Howe replaced former boss Steve Bruce back in November, the Magpies were 19^th in the Premier League standings, five points from safety after 11 games played.

But, with the help of five January acquisitions, the young tactician has guided Newcastle up to 14^th position, 10 points clear of Burnley, who occupy the final spot in the relegation zone.

Howe’s charges are also unbeaten in the league throughout 2022, and unless a dramatic turnaround in form occurs, should be playing in the top-flight once again next term.