Manchester City's Bruno Guimaraes interest as Newcastle United's 'harsh reality' is set out

Newcastle United fans had a brief scare earlier this week when rumours picked up pace that Manchester City had activated the £100m release clause in Bruno Guimaraes' contract. Thankfully, for now, those rumours proved to be false but with time to go until the clause expires, the danger of losing the Brazilian is still very real.

To put it bluntly, Newcastle are powerless. Over the next fortnight all they can do is hope and pray that Manchester City and any other potential admirers - of which there are quite a few - decide now is not the time pursue Bruno.

If a team decides to meet the clause, United can of course persuade him that Tyneside remains the best place for him - and while winning that argument is not as outlandish as it once was, winning it over an offer of a move to City or PSG is still a tough task.

From Newcastle's point of view, Bruno is not pushing for an exit - which is rarity in this situation. Often top players with a clause such as this which has a deadline for it to be met will angle for a move but Bruno has gone on record in recent weeks to say he is happy.

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That makes United's wait until June 30th, when the clause expires, slightly less nervous but nonetheless the next few weeks will still be one of worry every time the phone rings.

City look the most likely of destinations, manager Pep Guardiola has gone on record on several occasions stating his fanfare for Bruno, and given the likelihood that Kevin de Bruyne may leave this summer, the need for a world class midfielder is clear for everyone to see.

In the latest episode of The Everything is Black and White Podcast, host Andrew Musgrove looks at the situation with Bruno and Manchester City - presenting the harsh reality that Eddie Howe and the board can do nothing but sit on their hands for the next two weeks.

There's also a look at what United could get should City refuse to meet the £100 million clause but come back later in the summer with an offer of cash plus a player such as Matheus Nunes - would that be the worst deal?

Musgrove also shares the bottom line that Bruno is happy and with Newcastle not competing in Europe next season, there is a real chance to have a storming campaign - something the midfielder will want to be part of.

Click here to watch it via YouTube, or click the widget above. You can also click here to listen to it via our audio channel.

The Everything is Black and White Podcast is an award winning Newcastle United show bringing you a minimum of six episodes, for free, every week. You can listen to the podcast by simply searching The Everything is Black and White Podcast in your podcast app or by clicking here. We are also available on YouTube.