Eddie Howe makes Bruno Guimaraes transfer admission after gesture to Newcastle fans
Bruno Guimaraes has a £100million release clause in his contract with Newcastle which expires at the end of next month and the midfielder gave a long way of supporters after beating Brentford 4-2
Eddie Howe admitted Newcastle are “desperate” to keep Bruno Guimaraes after he gave Toon fans a prolonged wave.
The Brazilian scored a goal and made two as Howe’s men grabbed a 4-2 win at Brentford to secure seventh place and finish above Manchester United for the first time since 1977. Guimaraes, 26, gave a dramatic long wave to the travelling Tyneside support, and Howe was later asked if he was signalling he could leave.
The playmaker has a £100million release clause active until June 30 and has attracted interest from Manchester City, and Champions League clubs. Guimaraes did not stop for interviews after the game and neither did 25-goal Alexander Isak.
Howe said: “I don’t think it is a wave goodbye, he does that many times, but it can be interpreted anyway. From my side, I hope it is not. He is integral to what we are doing and we are desperate to keep him.”
READ MORE: Who's qualified for Champions and Europa League as Man Utd and Chelsea's fate in balanceREAD MORE: Aaron Ramsdale makes feelings clear on claim he's 'agreed transfer' to Premier League rivalHowe insisted Newcastle had a “season of progression” with Champions League football despite slipping from fourth place last term. Seventh leaves them qualifying for the Conference League, as long as Manchester City win the FA Cup next week.
Howe wants European football again and said: “We want those extra games, no part of us doesn’t. We have said all season we want to qualify for Europe. Howe added: “What this season could have looked like is totally different. It is never easy. To keep progressing at the rate we did is not possible. Sometimes you take a knock.
“I have loved this season. It has been a test of our energy. Some amazing experiences, great performances and challenging times. It has been a progression. My feeling is we have grown stronger as a team. I couldn’t be happier. It has to continue.”
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Brentford boss Thomas Frank, whose side secured survival last month and finished in 14th place, said: “We want this to be a difficult place to come and when it is rocking it is f***ing rocking. It has been a tough year and we are still in the best league in the world.
“We are definitely the most famous f**ing bus stop in the world. Every season we have the Premier League is a success. I really hope we go bigger next year.”
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