EDDIE Howe remained tight-lipped on Bruno Guimaraes' contract situation, as the Brazilian midfielder closes in on an extension to his Newcastle United deal

The deal, which has not yet been signed but is said to have been "verbally agreed", will run until 2028 and reportedly include a release clause of £100m.

Bruno, who has been hugely influential for the Magpies since joining from Lyon in January last year, celebrated his goal in the 8-0 win at Sheffield United by kissing the Newcastle United badge on his shirt in front of the away fans.

Asked after the game whether can provide an update on Bruno's contract situation, head coach Howe said: "Everything is going on away from me. I'm just focusing on the football so I've got no idea."

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Bruno's outstanding form since joining Newcastle has unsurprisingly turned heads elsewhere, with Real Madrid and Liverpool having both been linked with the 25-year-old. Negotiations between Newcastle and Bruno's representatives have been ongoing since the end of last season.

There was brief concern on Tyneside in the summer when Bruno said there was "doubt" as to whether he would agree a new contract - though he's always made it clear that his desire was to stay at the club.

Bruno was excellent in Newcastle's win at Bramall Lane, which lifted the Magpies to eighth in the Premier League table.