Eddie Howe has refused to make any promises over Bruno Guimaraes’ future at Newcastle United, but has every intention of keeping both him and Alexander Isak at St James’ Park this summer.
Isak revealed his commitment to the project after Tuesday’s 1-1 draw with Everton, however, Bruno’s situation is slightly more precarious with a release clause of around £100m existing in his new contract.
Elsewhere, Howe’s update on Joelinton’s contract situation was short and to the point, saying “we are as we were” when it comes to talks over a potential extension for the Brazilian.
On the ‘luxury tax’ speculation that proposes changes to the current FFP rules, he added: “Plenty of thoughts on it but not much of it for public consumption! It’s difficult to talk about it when it’s only speculation. Obviously it looks like points deductions are the way the Premier League are dealing with things and we have to try fall in line with everybody else.”
When asked if he fears losing Bruno and/or Isak this summer, he said: “Let me tell you, players like Bruno aren’t around every corner — they are very, very rare. He should be appreciated for everything he brings.
“My intention would be to keep Bruno at the football club for as long as we possibly can, but I can never make any guarantees as that would be absolutely foolish.
“I don’t fear a summer where you have to fend off other players. I want Alex to keep being in the headlines but we want to keep him long term.
“Who knows what the future holds. But our part in this is to try and make the players feel at home and feel happy. Develop them, develop their talents, develop their careers, and hopefully that’s enough to keep them here for a long time.”
