Pep Guardiola does not believe Bruno Guimaraes will be leaving Newcastle United anytime soon.
The Brazilian midfielder, who has a release clause worth £100 million, is believed to be a top target for Manchester City with the treble winners ‘thinking about’ making a summer approach.
However, according to Guardiola, who spoke to reporters ahead of Saturday evening’s FA Cup quarter-final against the Magpies, the industrious South American will ‘definitely’ be part of Newcastle’s future project.
“He is an exceptional holding midfielder,” the Spanish boss said.
“He is aggressive, with the ball or without the ball.
“At set pieces, he’s aggressive and is a real, complete holding midfielder since being at Lyon and now at a club who want to grow up and up.
“I’m sure he’s part of the project for the next years. Definitely.”
Clearly pouring cool water on his side’s links to Guimaraes, fans will be left wondering if Guardiola really means what he says, or if this is just more mind games ahead of the summer transfer window.