Newcastle United hope to finalise a new contract for Bruno Guimaraes by the end of the season, sources have confirmed to 90min.
The 25-year-old has been a revelation during his first year on Tyneside, becoming not only one of Newcastle's most important players but also one of the Premier League's leading central midfielders.
Guimaraes' arrival has coincided with a huge upturn in Newcastle's form. The Magpies have the best defensive record in the Premier League and are firmly in contention for a top four finish - which would lead to Champions League qualification - while they narrowly missed out on ending a 54-year trophy drought after losing 2-0 to Manchester United in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley.
90min revealed earlier in the season that Newcastle were planning to negotiate a new deal with Guimaraes, with manager Eddie Howe having greenlighted offering a 'substantial' pay rise to recognise his standing in the Premier League.
Sources have now confirmed to 90min that Newcastle hope to have finalised the terms of Guimaraes' new deal by the end of the season, which is purely a reflection of his continued good form and not a reaction to speculation linking the Brazilian with a move to Real Madrid - who are keeping abreast of his situation in the North East.
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The player himself has made it abundantly clear that he is very happy on Tyneside and he revealed earlier this month that he wants to become a club legend at St James' Park.
While Guimaraes is at the heart of manager Eddie Howe's plans moving forward, one player who is not in the picture is winger Ryan Fraser.
The Scotland international, who has two years remaining on his St James' Park contract, has been banished to the club's Under-21s and told by Howe that he can leave the club.
“Ryan training with Under-21s. I made a decision to concentrate on players who are committed to Newcastle, & for the benefit of the group," former Bournemouth boss Howe confirmed in his most recent press conference.
“Life and football can change quickly, but at the moment he hasn’t," he added when asked if Fraser had a future at Newcastle.
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On this week's edition of TFP, Harry Symeou hosts Grizz Khan, Scott Saunders and Hunter Godson to preview the weekend's Premier League action, including Man Utd's trip to Anfield to face Liverpool.
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Source : 90min