As the January transfer window edges closer, the talk of a potential Bruno Guimaraes exit hots up once again. Reports earlier this week suggested this time around it is Chelsea seeking to steal the Brazilian away from Newcastle United.
The Blues are looking for a new powerhouse in the middle of the park, with N'Golo Kante no longer at the peak of his powers in west London. Jorginho and Mateo Kovacic are permanent fixtures in Graham Potter's midfield, while Conor Gallagher and Ruben Loftus-Cheek are trying to forge their way into the fold on a regular basis.
Guimaraes ' arrival at Stamford Bridge would no doubt elevate Chelsea 's chances of domestic and European glory in the short and long-term. However, no matter how grand new owner Todd Boehly's plans are, the Toon hero doesn't feel like a smart transfer target to exert too much energy on.
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While Newcastle do not currently enjoy the same stature as their London counterparts, the Magpies are a team fully on the up - with Guimaraes essential to their success so far this term. The Brazilian hasn't even celebrated the one-year anniversary of his move to Tyneside but already holds the title of the St James' Park fan-favourite.
The love for Bruno was never more evident than Sunday during the 2-1 win over Tottenham, where the midfielder travelled late to the capital after the birth of his child - and the sleepless nights that accompany such a milestone. If Guimaraes was sleep-deprived, it didn't show as he put on a fine display in north London.
Fans, as ever, sang his name in the stands and concourses. While there is a humble streak to the south American, as evident in his emotional post-match interview at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, there is a confident, sometimes cocky side to his personality.
The January addition has made no secret of just how much Newcastle fans adore him, playfully comparing himself to the city's mayor. Sunday's win also saw Guimaraes reveal how even his sideways passes are cheered by the fanbase.
“I’m very happy here at Newcastle, they treat me like an idol, I hit a sideways pass and they’re already going crazy, it’s very cool," the 24-year-old told ESPN Brazil.
Guimaraes is clearly relishing the spotlight being firmly on him following his Lyon exit. Newcastle can offer him that pedestal, where as at Chelsea the midfielder would be battling the likes of footballing superstars Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Raheem Sterling and Mason Mount for the limelight.
Guimaraes has also already been asked about a Newcastle United exit in recent weeks. As Real Madrid circled, the unsettling topic of his potential departure was addressed for the first time. However, the player was quick to reassure Newcastle fans that while he was flattered, he was settled in the north east of England.
“It’s always nice when there are teams looking at you, but my plan is just to do my best at Newcastle,” Guimaraes told Sky Sports. “The rest, I leave with my agent.
"I have three or four years of contract left. It’s so long. I swear I’m not thinking about other things. My focus now is just on Newcastle and the World Cup.”
There is also the added element of Newcastle's reluctance to sell. The Magpies are now in a position to turn down significant transfer bids from domestic rivals, who they would have simply folded to once upon a time.
“We are trying to build a squad to make the club successful over these next few years. We want to enhance the group," Howe said back in August. “Not (have other clubs) take away our best players. Bruno Guimaraes has been incredible (since arriving at Newcastle United).”
Chelsea, or any other interested party, can try and test that resolve in the winter market but there is a definitive answer waiting for them from both Newcastle's man in the middle, the fans and those calling the shots at the club.
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