Newcastle United have reportedly made 'significant progress' in their contract discussions with Bruno Guimaraes, and the Brazilian is now said to be on the verge of agreeing a new deal.
The 25-year-old has been in excellent form for the Magpies since arriving from Lyon in January 2022, playing an important role in the club securing a top-four finish in last season's Premier League table.
Guimaraes scored four goals and registered five assists in 32 league appearances last term, and he has now represented Eddie Howe's side on 61 occasions, netting 10 goals and providing six assists.
The Brazil international has another three years left to run on his contract at St James' Park, but Newcastle have been in talks with his representatives over a new and improved deal.
Manchester City, Real Madrid and Barcelona are all said to be admirers, while it is alleged that Liverpool made a £100m bid for him in the latter stages of the summer transfer window.
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According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Newcastle have managed to make 'significant progress', with positive discussions taking place over 'the last 10 days'.
Romano claims that only the 'final details' need to be addressed before an announcement can be made, with the Magpies on the verge of securing his future.
Newcastle head coach Howe said last month that he had no fears over a possible exit for the South American despite the growing interest in his services.
"I don't think Bruno wants to leave. I feel protected enough - but the most important person in all of this is Bruno. I think Bruno sees this season as a huge opportunity for him to play on the best stage that you can. And to try to help Newcastle grow," Howe told Chronicle Live at the time.
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"I think that is the most important thing, not necessarily if a club comes in. It's where the player feels his home is. I think he feels his home is Newcastle.
"You can never tell what is going to happen in football. I can't sit here and say clubs won't be interested in Bruno because for me he is an outstanding player. But I see a player that is very committed to this football club."
The midfielder has featured on four occasions for Newcastle in the Premier League this season, but an underwhelming start has seen the Magpies pick up just three points from four matches.
Indeed, Howe's side opened their campaign with a 5-1 win over Aston Villa but have since been beaten by Man City, Liverpool and Brighton & Hove Albion.
Newcastle will be aiming to bounce back from their 3-1 loss at Brighton last weekend when they resume their league campaign at home to Brentford next Saturday, before starting their Champions League group-stage campaign away to AC Milan on September 19.
Matt Law
