Eddie Howe responds to Manchester United 'offer' for Newcastle star Bruno Guimaraes

Guimaraes has also attracted interest from Real Madrid (Picture: Getty Images)

Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has shut down reports suggesting Manchester United are in advanced talks to sign his captain Bruno Guimarães.

Reports this week have claimed United are eager to sign the Brazil international to replace Casemiro who has personally recommended his countryman as his long-term replacement at Old Trafford .

Casemiro will leave Old Trafford when his contract expires at the end of the season.

The report from Reuters claimed a deal worth €80million (£69m) has been discussed with Newcastle with Real Madrid also considering a move for the 28-year-old.

Guimarães has been a key player on Tyneside side his arrival from Lyon in 2022 with Newcastle winning just two of their 16 matches without him in the team over the last four years.

The midfielder has been sidelined with a hamstring injury since February and hopes to return to action after the international break in April.

Newcastle are gearing up for one of their biggest games of the season in the Tyne-Wear derby against Sunderland on Sunday.

Howe had little time for this week’s transfer speculation (Picture: Getty)

Quizzed on reports over Guimarães’ future, Howe said: ‘I don’t even know how to respond to that. It is a waste of my energy.’

‘Bruno is our captain and he is fully committed at the moment.