Newcastle United midfielder Bruno Guimaraes has acknowledged that he is admired by Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola, but he has played down suggestions that a move to the Etihad Stadium could be on the cards.
The 26-year-old has established himself as a key player under manager Eddie Howe and has become a fans' favourite at St James Park' since joining the Magpies from Lyon in January 2022.
Guimaraes, who has contributed with 17 goals and 17 assists in 121 appearances across all competitions, was the subject of interest from the likes of Man City and Arsenal last summer, but an exit ultimately failed to materialise.
The Brazil international has since been appointed as Newcastle's new club captain and has worn the armband in all 11 of their Premier League matches this season, with Howe's side sitting eighth in the table.
Guimaraes still has over three years remaining on his contract and has regularly expressed his happiness at Newcastle, despite speculation about a possible big-money exit.
Those transfer rumours continue to linger, though, as Man City are understood to still hold an interest in Newcastle's No.39, with Guardiola's side exploring the possibility of signing a new midfielder in 2025.
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Guimaraes addresses Man City transfer rumours
It has previously been reported that Guimaraes would prefer to stay at Newcastle over joining Man City, as he has no interest in becoming a 'stop-gap' for the Citizens while Rodri is on the sidelines recovering from a season-ending knee injury.
Speaking to Brazilian news outlet Globo Esporte, Guimaraes has insisted that he is still loving life on Tyneside and believes that he has become an "idol" at Newcastle where he has "a lot of respect".
The midfielder has also dismissed rumours linking him with Man City, even though he is aware of Guardiola's admiration in his ability.
"I believe that at my club I am an idol and I have a lot of respect," Guimaraes told reporters.
"I am the captain of Newcastle and it is something that if you had asked me three years ago, my biggest dream would have been to play in the Premier League. Playing, being an idol, being captain is something wonderful. I really like Newcastle."
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Discussing the links to Man City and his previous conversation with Guardiola, Guimaraes added: "Of course, having Manchester City's suggestions shows that I am at a high level, but it was nothing more than suggestions.
"I know that Guardiola likes my football, it is normal to have great coaches who admire your football.
"We have spoken once after the interview, I praised his work, he praised my work, but it was nothing more than that."
Will Man City shift their focus to other midfield targets?
Guimaraes seemingly has no plans to leave Newcastle any time soon, so if Man City are to step up their pursuit of a new midfielder, they will need to turn their attention to other targets.
Real Sociedad's Martin Zubimendi, who has also been linked with Liverpool and Arsenal, is believed to be on Guardiola's radar, although he recently played down rumours of an exit from the La Liga club.
AC Milan's Tijjani Reijnders has also been linked with the Citizens and they may be forced to pay in excess of €60m (£50m) if they wish to lure the Dutchman to the Etihad.
Meanwhile, a recent report claimed that Man City have submitted a whopping €120m (£100.5m) bid for Paris Saint-Germain's teenage midfielder Warren Zaire-Emery.
Oliver Thomas
