Liverpool discovers Newcastle's Bruno Guimaraes transfer stance with rivals also keen

Newcastle has issued a firm "not for sale" warning to Liverpool over its star midfielder, Bruno Guimaraes.

The Brazilian has become an integral part of Newcastle's squad since his move from Lyon in January 2022, quickly winning over fans with his performances last season and attracting attention from top clubs this summer.

Premier League heavyweights - such as Liverpool, Manchester City, and Arsenal - are said to have been keeping tabs on the midfielder, whose situation became even more interesting after his release clause was nullified earlier in the transfer window. For Arne Slot, finding a defensive midfielder has proven to be a tricky task this summer.

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Liverpool was keen on bringing a No. 6 to the club following their preseason tour of the United States. Real Sociedad's Martin Zubimendi was viewed as the prime target, but he decided against a move to Anfield, potentially putting Guimaraes, who had been linked earlier in the window, back on the club's radar.

However, Newcastle manager Eddie Howe has shown great faith in the Brazilian by naming him captain for the upcoming season, according to a Daily Mail report. This move is seen as a clear sign that any remaining hopes Liverpool, City or Arsenal may have had of signing Guimaraes are now extinguished, especially as the player himself has expressed a wish to stay at St James' Park.

Addressing the swirling transfer rumours, the in-demand star made it clear: "Yeah, I'm very happy to be here. These things (rumors 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 (being) here."

Newcastle is tipped to make a push for the top four this season, benefiting from not having the burden of European fixtures unlike its competitors.