City enquiry for Bruno swatted away in summer

NEWCASTLE United fended off an enquiry from Manchester City this summer for Bruno Guimaraes - with the conversation swiftly halted and a summer-long transfer drama avoided.

- By LEE RYDER

The enquiry, believed to have come from intermediaries on the agent circuit, came in early June during the temporary FIFA transfer window ahead of the FIFA Club World Cup.

But Newcastle batted the interest away with Bruno happy on Tyneside and open to future contract negotiations further down the line.

Unlike the Alexander Isak situation, when the Sweden striker refused to play and set his heart on Liverpool at the first sign of serious interest, Bruno nailed his colours to the mast at Newcastle and told those around him he was committed for the 2025/26 season ahead.

City instantly turned to AC Milan midfielder Tijjani Reijnders and pushed through a quick deal for £46.5m in time for the Dutchman to play at the FIFA Club World Cup.

What was noted internally was that Bruno's head was far from turned, with Isak essentially downing tools to force through his exit.