Mark Douglas has released an in-depth piece on all things Newcastle United for the i, discussing interest in Bruno Guimaraes, Kalvin Phillips, Dan Ashworth’s future and potential new deals for Lewis Miley and Sven Botman.
Starting with the latter, he reports that we plan to tie Lewis Miley down to a long-term deal after he turns 18 in May. Current Premier League rules limit U18 player to three-year contracts, but the club plan to reward him with a new contract beyond 2026.
Sven Botman could also land a new improved deal to reflect his importance to the side, with Newcastle keen to reward the Dutchman and deter ongoing interest from PSG; who are also eyeing Bruno Guimaraes.
However, Douglas reports that Newcastle will reject all January offers for the Brazilian, adding that the player himself has ‘no interest’ in leaving this winter, as he’s settled on Tyneside and committed to the club. That said, a release clause ‘in excess of £100m’ exists in his contract, leaving us vulnerable to a summer exit if a huge club steps forward.
On Kalvin Phills, ‘there is now a measure of optimism’ that the midfielder will arrive this month, with Newcastle hopeful of striking a loan agreement with Man City. There’s also positivity on Dan Ashworth’s future, as iNews report that we’re ‘increasingly confident’ of keeping our sporting director after hearing nothing to suggest he’s planning to leave.
PSG bids for Bruno will be rejected ❌
New deals planned for key duo 📝
Progress on Kalvin Phillips 🤝
How FFP is affecting budget 🤑
Dan Ashworth's future 🔮 @MsiDouglas reveals Newcastle's January plans https://t.co/NkcUrxNraw— i sport (@iPaperSport) January 9, 2024
If Bruno’s 100 million escape clause is active this month and either Barca, PSG or Madrid come in for him he’ll be gone line a shot.
Release clauses have only one purpose, and that is to allow the player to leave, and as Bruno took a while to sign his new contract it’s a fair guess that somebody is waiting in the wings with a hundred million.
Daveys **** mate(Quote)
I’d like to think the passion on the pitch and words used of it all point 2 someone who is more than happy and knows a Club our Size is on the up and how special it isto b involved in, us winning something would make hame N absolute legend….Bruno going nowhere
Craig(Quote)