Abdulhafiz TeslimNewcastle United are prepared to offer one of their most influential stars a club-record £40 million contract in a bid to fend off growing interest from Premier League rivals, according to reports from The Sun.
The player in question has emerged as a key target for Arsenal, while Manchester United are also believed to be monitoring his situation closely. However, Magpies manager Eddie Howe remains determined to keep hold of one of the cornerstones of his squad.
The midfielder currently earns around £160,000 per week and has two years remaining on his existing contract. Newcastle are reportedly willing to reward him with an improved four-year deal worth £200,000 per week.
If agreed, the contract would become the most lucrative in the club’s history.
Arsenal are said to have already tested Newcastle’s resolve with an initial £55 million offer, only to be informed that the player is not for sale. The Gunners are now believed to be considering a second approach.
The midfielder is valued at around £80 million, although it remains unclear whether a bid of that magnitude would be enough to persuade Newcastle to enter negotiations.
Meanwhile, another of Newcastle’s star midfielders, Sandro Tonali, is also attracting interest, with Tottenham Hotspur reportedly keen on the Italian international.
The Magpies are thought to value Tonali at around £100 million and are unlikely to sanction the departures of both players during the same transfer window.
At present, neither player is actively pushing to leave St James’ Park, and Newcastle will hope that remains the case throughout the remainder of the summer.
The club were forced to part ways with Alexander Isak last summer after the striker made it clear he wanted to move on, and there will be concerns that history could repeat itself if serious offers continue to arrive.
The player at the centre of the current speculation is, of course, Brazilian international Bruno Guimaraes, with Newcastle now prepared to break their own wage structure to ensure their captain remains on Tyneside.
admin
Abdulhafiz Teslim
