Howe wants to build team around Guimaraes

Newcastle boss Eddie Howe says he wants to build a team around Bruno Guimaraes after it emerged the Brazil midfielder's £100m release clause expires this summer.

Guimaraes, 26, has been one of Newcastle's standout players this season and has been linked with Manchester City and Arsenal.

He signed a new five-year contract in October 2023, having impressed following a move from Lyon in January 2022.

Howe wants Guimaraes to stay but admitted Newcastle were "not in control" because of the clause, which expires at the end of June.

"Having that [release clause] was well planned and structured by the club," said Howe on Friday.

"We don’t want constant speculation, it’s not healthy for the player or for us. It goes without saying we want to keep him, I want to build our team around him.

"His form has been very good and he seems very happy and settled.

"He’ll be thinking about a very busy summer ahead, where hopefully we can take the team - with him a big part of it. But we aren’t in control of that so let’s see."

Newcastle, who are involved in a race with Manchester United to finish sixth, will relegate bottom club Sheffield United if they beat the Blades at St James' Park on Saturday (15:00 BST).

The Magpies are seventh in the table, three points behind sixth-placed Manchester United with five games left.

England forward Callum Wilson could make his first start since 10 February after returning from injury in the 2-0 defeat at Crystal Palace on Wednesday.

"He came through fine, I thought he looked good and worked well with the lads around him," added Howe.