Newcastle United star Bruno Guimaraes laughs off Man City transfer talk despite Pep Guardiola claim

Newcastle United favourite Bruno Guimaraes is fully aware Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola 'likes' his football - but the Brazilian is not thinking about leaving St James' Park for the Etihad - or any other club - any time soon.

Quizzed over his Newcastle future, which at times has been up in the air, Guimaraes this week told Brazilian outlet Globo Esporte he is settled on Tyneside after earning fan-favourite status and picking up the captain's armband in the process. The midfielder, who has featured 25 times for his country since joining the Magpies, has also experienced his dream of playing Champions League football since arriving in the Premier League back in 2022.

“I believe that at my club I am an idol and I have a lot of respect,” Bruno said while away on Brazil duty. “I am the captain of Newcastle and it is something that if you had asked me three years ago, my biggest dream would have been to play in the Premier League.

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"Playing, being an idol, being captain is something wonderful. I really like Newcastle."

The recent summer transfer window brought speculation City, or other possible suitors, may be tempted to trigger Bruno's £100m release clause before it expired at the end of June. However, with clubs across the continent tightening their belts, no European heavyweights took the bait, allowing Newcastle to hold onto their prized asset.

City boss Guardiola has made no secret of his love for Bruno - both in press conferences and while talking to the Newcastle player after matches between the two clubs in recent seasons. However, the 27-year-old insists while flattering, he is not eyeing up a move to the Premier League champions.

Discussing his talks with Guardiola, he continued: “Of course, having Manchester City’s suggestions shows that I am at a high level, but it was nothing more than suggestions.

“I know that Guardiola likes my football, it is normal to have great coaches who admire your football. We have spoken once after the interview, I praised his work, he praised my work, but it was nothing more than that.”