Newcastle United midfielder Bruno Guimaraes is planning to stay at St James’ Park beyond the winter window despite strong transfer interest, according to journalist Dean Jones.

The Lowdown: Interest in Bruno

As per The Mirror, the Brazil international had been of interest to Real Madrid during the summer and had "a conversation" with the Champions League holders, only for the Premier League club to firmly state that the £80m-rated 24-year-old was not for sale.

Also, The Daily Mail recently reported that the Magpies are intending to enter contract discussions with the player next summer in a bid to safeguard his future on Tyneside, despite suggestions that Barcelona and Manchester City could try to test PIF's resolve.

The Latest: Jones’ claim

Considering Newcastle’s progression under manager Eddie Howe, Jones believes that Guimaraes will choose to remain at St James’ Park for the foreseeable future.

Speaking with GiveMeSport, the journalist claimed: "All the time they are improving and looking to fulfil the ambition that was set out when he signed.

"It has gone so well since he joined. There will obviously be times in the future when things don’t go perfectly, but I think he’ll be planning to stay around for a few years while they push to become part of the European elite."

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The Verdict: Crucial to Newcastle

Guimaraes’ statistical comparisons to Borussia Dortmund’s Jude Bellingham and Barcelona’s Pedri illustrate the calibre of player that Newcastle have on their hands.

As per FBRef, compared with positional peers across Europe's top five leagues over the past year, the midfielder ranks in the 99th percentile for tackles and the 95th percentile for non-penalty goals and expected goals assisted.

Having been hailed as an ‘unbelievable talent’ by Magpies team-mate Callum Wilson, the Tyneside club should do all that they can to retain the Brazilian’s services, with a plethora of clubs likely to line up for his signature if he continues to thrive at St James' Park.