- Man City long-term admirers of Guimaraes
- Midfielder's Newcastle contract included £100m release clause
- Brazil international admits speaking with Guardiola
Newcastle United midfielder Bruno Guimaraes has revealed a conversation with Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola following a summer of intense speculation about a possible transfer.
Guimaraes was heavily linked with a move to both City and Arsenal during the summer, when his Newcastle contract included a £100m release clause, before Yankuba Minteh and Elliot Anderson's PSR-friendly sales handed the Magpies more financial security.
The midfielder put an end to the speculation in August with an emotional message discussing his acquisition of the captain's armband.
In a recent interview with Globo Esporte, Guimaraes once again reaffirmed his love for Newcastle, but he could not hide away from his appreciation of City's interest in his services.
"I believe that at my club I am an idol and I have a lot of respect," he began. "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. Playing, being an idol, being captain is something wonderful. I really like Newcastle.
"Of course, having Manchester City's interest shows that I am at a high level, but it was nothing more than interest. 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."
The 27-year-old's contract runs until 2028, giving Newcastle plenty of control when it comes to Guimaraes' future.
