Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe remains optimistic that captain Bruno Guimaraes will stay at St James' Park, despite growing speculation linking the Brazilian midfielder with a move to Arsenal.
Reports suggest the Gunners are preparing a £70 million bid for the 28-year-old, but Howe insists the club is determined to keep one of its most influential players.
Speaking after Newcastle's 1-1 pre-season draw with Gateshead, Howe revealed he has held several positive conversations with Guimaraes before, during, and after the World Cup.
"I've had some really good conversations with him," Howe said.
"What we've discussed will remain private, but Bruno is an exceptional player and an outstanding person. I can't predict what will happen regarding his future - that's for others to speculate about."
Guimaraes has been on holiday with his family following Brazil's last-16 World Cup exit to Norway and is expected to return to Newcastle on Friday before joining the squad for their training camp in Spain.
While comparisons have been made to Alexander Isak's departure to Liverpool last summer, Howe believes the situations are different and expects his captain to report back as planned.
"Bruno is the captain of this football club," Howe added.
"He's been incredible both on and off the pitch since arriving here. Everyone at Newcastle loves him, and naturally we all want him to stay."
With Sandro Tonali having completed a move to Tottenham in a deal worth up to £100 million earlier this month, Newcastle are reshaping their midfield with a focus on emerging young talent.
One of those prospects, Dutch teenager Sean Steur, caught the eye by playing the full 90 minutes against Gateshead.
Fellow midfield signing Aladji Bamba, who recently joined from Monaco, was unavailable after completing his transfer on Friday.
Howe was pleased with Steur's debut performance.
"He played really well today. He can be proud of his first appearance in Newcastle colours," the manager said.
Steur arrived from Ajax in a deal worth up to £23 million, an unusual move given how rarely the Dutch giants allow highly rated academy players to leave at such a young age.
Former Jong Ajax coach Willem Weijs has described Steur as one of the club's brightest prospects, praising his composure, vision, technical ability and intelligence in possession.
"He's excellent with his first touch, very comfortable on the ball and outstanding in tight spaces," Weijs said.
"He's a classic Dutch midfielder, but he still needs to improve physically and become stronger in defensive duels."
Newcastle's recruitment strategy has shifted this summer toward signing promising players aged 20 and under from across Europe.
Alongside Steur and Bamba, youngsters Ewen Jaouen and Bazoumana Toure have also joined the club.
Howe acknowledged that patience will be key as the new arrivals adjust to the demands of Premier League football.
"We all need to support the players who have come in," he said.
"It's important not to put too much pressure on them. My job is to help them develop, enjoy their football, and settle into the club."
