Transfer insider Dean Jones has dropped some exit news from Newcastle United involving Bruno Guimaraes.

The Lowdown: Real Madrid interest

As per Spanish news outlet AS, Real Madrid have set their sights on signing Bruno in this transfer window to replace Casemiro, who has left to sign for Manchester United.

However, the St. James' Park outfit do not have an interest in selling him, and he would have to go for more than double what they paid for him back in January.

The Latest: Jones update

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Jones has shared that it is 'highly unlikely' that Bruno will leave the North East before the deadline, although he claims that 'stranger things have happened' and that it would be a 'massive loss' for the Tynesiders:

“I’m told it is highly unlikely he leaves – it would be a massive loss and a massive disappointment. But stranger things have happened in football.”

The Verdict: Keep at all costs

Having only just bought him in January, Eddie Howe's team need to keep hold of Bruno at all costs, even if Madrid did come knocking on their door later on in the window.

He currently ranks top among his teammates in terms of average tackles per game, and is also high on the list for average interceptions, clearances, blocks, key passes and dribbles per match (WhoScored).

If the Magpies want to progress in their long-term project, then they simply need to keep hold of players like Bruno, and there is no reason to let go of him in this window with just over a week remaining.