Newcastle United star Bruno Guimaraes is 'planning to stay' at St James' Park after establishing himself as a fan favourite, according to journalist Dean Jones.
The Magpies spent more than £120million during the summer transfer window, but head coach Eddie Howe could sanction further incomings and outgoings at the turn of the year.
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What's the latest news involving Guimaraes?
Guimaraes completed a £40million move from French side Lyon in January, but it has emerged that he could have made a quickfire exit from Newcastle.
That is because the central midfielder has revealed he held conversations with La Liga giants Real Madrid during the latter stages of the summer transfer window, but the Magpies insisted he was not for sale and is valued at more than £80million.
According to the Daily Mail, Newcastle are so desperate to fend off interest in Guimaraes that they are planning to enter discussions over a new contract at the end of the season.
The report suggests Barcelona and Manchester City could look to test the Tyneside giants' resolve but, having become the richest club in world football last year, they are not under pressure to sanction the South American's departure.
Guimaraes' £120,000-per-week contract is not due to expire until the summer of 2026, so Newcastle will not need to lower their financial demands or even hold negotiations if an admirer stumps up a bid when the transfer window reopens.
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What has Dean Jones said about Guimaraes?
Jones believes Newcastle have shown progression since Guimaraes' arrival and are on the right path to securing silverware.
The transfer insider feels the 24-year-old has set his sights on enjoying a lengthy career at St James' Park despite attracting interest.
Jones told GIVEMESPORT: "All the time they are improving and looking to fulfil the ambition that was set out when he signed.
"It has gone so well since he joined. There will obviously be times in the future when things don’t go perfectly, but I think he’ll be planning to stay around for a few years while they push to become part of the European elite."
How has Guimaraes performed so far this season?
Although a hamstring injury resulted in Guimaraes missing the Premier League clashes with Wolverhampton Wanderers, Liverpool and Crystal Palace, he has still shown his quality and grabbed a brace in the 5-1 thumping of Brentford earlier this month.
His goalscoring performance led to Sky Sports reporter Jamie Carragher describing the talisman as a 'complete midfield player'.
The eight-cap Brazil international has built on the promising start he made to his Newcastle career in the second half of last season and, thanks to his fine form, is likely to be involved at the upcoming World Cup.
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