The two players Newcastle United must not sell as Eddie Howe told to make list

Eddie Howe should draw up a list of the players he would be willing to sell this summer - but it should not feature Bruno Guimaraes or Alexander Isak.

The Magpies could have to move some players on to help fund any summer transfer business, with plenty of interest in the pair. Isak lead the United goalscoring charts with 25 in all competitions last season, while Brazilian playmaker Bruno has again been a key man for the club.

Both have recently revealed how settled they are on Tyneside, but a mega-bid from one of Europe's top clubs could yet force Newcastle into a big decision. However, former England and Nottingham Forest defender Stuart Pearce insists both should remain firmly at St James' Park.

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The ex-Man City manager, who had a spell with Newcastle towards the end of his playing career, is a big fan of both and feels they are players United should build their squad around. And he has advised Howe to have a list of players he would be prepared to part with in order to help fund summer signings.

"I want to see Bruno Guimaraes staying and competing for Newcastle next season," Pearce said. "He looks as though he's enjoying his football, enjoying the environment and they might well need to sell players but it shouldn't be him.

"Selling players that are on the periphery to balance the books I think will be their best way forward. Eddie Howe should list the players he wants to keep and he would be one of the non-negotiables alongside Alexander Isak; they both need to stay because they are building something."

Bruno has spoken of his future this week, saying: "Look, my future, to be honest, is in God’s hands. I have a contract with Newcastle, I’m very happy, as I said, I know how much they like me, I know everything I’ve been doing for the club.

"In short, I have a contract, I’m happy. I don’t know what can happen, we know everything about Financial Fair Play, but what I can say is that I feel happy.

"Obviously it’s very nice to have your name linked with big clubs, it shows that I’m doing my job well, but I’m not worried about it at all, as I said, I’m happy at the club. I’m very happy, so let’s see what happens. I’m not in any hurry, I’m happy, and it’s up to God, let’s see what happens."

Stuart Pearce was speaking on behalf of BoyleSports, who offer the latest https://www.boylesports.com/sports/football/competition/international-euro-2024