Alan Shearer has urged Newcastle United to secure European qualification or face losing their top players, amid ongoing transfer speculation surrounding captain Bruno Guimaraes. The club legend dismissed many of the reports linking the Brazilian with a move away as 'rubbish', but warned that the noise will only intensify if the Magpies fail to qualify for European competition.
Manchester United have been linked with both Guimaraes and midfielder Sandro Tonali, but Chronicle Live understands that Newcastle have actually held talks with Guimaraes' representatives about extending his contract beyond 2028, and that 'advanced talks' with Man United are wide of the mark.
Speaking to Betfair, Shearer said: 'Newcastle have to get through the season. They have to somehow get European football, whether that's Europa League or Conference League. If Newcastle don't qualify for European football, then the noise around their top players will only get louder and then it becomes difficult not only to keep your top players, but also then it becomes difficult to bring top players in because top players want European football.'
Guimaraes is currently sidelined with a hamstring injury but was in Barcelona to watch Newcastle's Champions League defeat. Last year, he expressed his desire to stay at the club, saying: 'I hope to stay much longer. I don't know what the future brings, but I hope to play much more for Newcastle United.'
