Newcastle midfielder Bruno Guimaraes has effectively shut the door on making a move to Manchester City this summer.
It was reported by The Athletic last week that the Brazilian international was “still keen” on joining the Premier League champions but, when asked about rumours that he could leave St James’ Park, Guimaraes replied:
“I’m very happy to be here. These things (rumours about his future) I cannot control but I’m here, I’m very happy to be here, I love it and I hope to keep here.”
Manager Pep Guardiola is believed to be a big fan of Guimaraes but the cost of signing him is thought to be prohibitive.
City decided against paying his release clause
The Cityzens did have the opportunity to buy Guimaraes back earlier this summer due to the existence of a buyout fee in his contract. If the Manchester club were prepared to pay £100m, they could have secured his services in June.
That clause is no longer active so, if they do try to sign the 26-year-old this month or in a future transfer window, Newcastle will be able to dictate terms.
Will any players arrive at the Etihad before deadline day?
Following the injury sustained by Oscar Bobb, it was speculated that City would go into the market in order to strengthen their squad. Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze was tipped as a key target.
However, like with Guimaraes, they allowed the England international’s release clause to expire. They could have signed him for £60m if they had tabled a bid before last Friday night, but they opted against doing so.
It remains to be seen whether anyone else will be targeted before the transfer window closes in just under two weeks’ time on August 30th.
