Bruno Guimaraes set to snub Real Madrid, Barcelona and Liverpool transfers to become Newcastle’s highest-paid star ever
NEWCASTLE have offered Bruno Guimaraes a bumper £200,000-a-week pay deal to ward off interest from Liverpool, Real Madrid and Barcelona.
SunSport understands the Brazil ace is close to signing a new long-term contract at St James’ Park.
Bruno, 25, is already Newcastle’s highest earner on £120,000-a-week but will be handed improved terms on his current deal, which expires in 2026, ahead of next season’s Champions League campaign.
Talks are well advanced to make his the Magpies’ best-paid player ever and the club are not concerned over recent links with some of Europe’s giants.
Liverpool cannot offer Bruno Champions League football while Barcelona remain dogged by financial problems.
Signed last January for £42million from Lyon, midfielder Guimaraes is well on his way to hero status following a stellar first full year on Tyneside.
The Samba star admitted he held talks with Real Madrid last summer but has repeatedly stated that he wants to stay at Newcastle.
He said: “Real Madrid is the best team in the world. It is nice but it was just a conversation. It was nothing.
“I feel at home here. It’s the best thing that has happened in my life.
“I am living my dream here and hope to be a legend.”
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Mags boss Eddie Howe was tight-lipped over Bruno’s fresh terms when quizzed last week.
But he said: “The club is very keen to protect their assets and be ahead of the curve in terms of contract length and making sure we’re in a strong position.
“But also recognising players who have done well and rewarding them for their performances.”
SunSport revealed on Wednesday that Portuguese forward Joao Felix has been offered to Newcastle after being bombed out by Chelsea following his sixth-moan loan deal.
He is surplus to requirements at parent club Atletico Madrid, who are now trying to get him off their books.
Felix, 23, has also been touted to go to Paris Saint-Germain but wants to stay in the Premier League and play Champions League football.
Atletico are ready to strike another loan deal but want a modest fee plus the player’s wages of around £200k a week covered, which would be a sticking point for Toon boss Eddie Howe.
The Blues paid Felix’s wages in full after signing him on loan in January for a fee of £9.7million.