'I don't know': Eddie Howe unclear about Bruno Guimarães future amid Arsenal links

Newcastle United were in action on Saturday afternoon as they took on Gateshead FC in their first public pre-season friendly of the summer.

While the game was far from exciting, plenty of players were put through their paces in what was essentially a fitness-building game which finished 1-1.

Crucially, though, it was the first time reporters were able to get near Eddie Howe to ask him about how he feels the summer is going.

Howe acknowledged to reporters that it has been a 'challenging' window once again, having lost Sandro Tonali and Anthony Gordon, before the questions inevitably turned to Bruno Guimarães.

Eddie Howe swerves Bruno questions

Bruno is still on holiday after his appearances at the World Cup, but Howe admitted that he has spoken to Bruno over the summer, but wouldn't be drawn on the speculation over his future amid constant chatter linking him with Arsenal.

“I’ve spoken to Bruno before, during and after the World Cup. We have had some really good conversations. He’s just a fantastic person.

“I don’t know what’s going to happen with his future, that’s for other people to speculate about. There’s conversations I’m not part of.

“I don’t think it’s fair to compare (to Isak last summer). You’ve got to look at it in its own right.

“He’s captain of our club and been an unbelievable player, through the whole time we have worked together. I speak on behalf of everyone at the club, we absolutely love him and of course everyone would love him to stay.

“He’s due back in the 31st, and there’s nothing to say he won’t be back.”

Manchester City are starting to show interest

It's hardly the confidence-inspiring denial we were all hoping for, but then, we were never going to get that from Eddie Howe, really. 

Howe's role in transfers has been greatly diminished, so if anyone could speak more confidently on the subject, it would be Ross Wilson, or indeed Bruno Guimarães himself.

Really, the only person we're really going to pay attention to on this is Bruno. Newcastle are adamant he's not for sale, so they will keep denying he's on the move for as long as they can, but if Bruno really wants to go, he will find a way.

Rumours suggesting Manchester City may enter the race are starting to bubble up too, so that could create a bidding war that gets the fee up to where Newcastle could be inclined to accept a bid, and then it's game over.