Newcastle: Howe tipped to 'build team around' £40m star at St. James' Park

Newcastle United head coach Eddie Howe is likely to make big-money Magpies signing Bruno Guimaraes the first name on the team-sheet next season, according to Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie.

The Tynesiders became the world’s richest football club when the Saudi Arabia-based Public Investment Fund led a £305million takeover last October and Guimaraes was among their January signings.

Newcastle forked out £40million to seal defensive midfielder Guimaraes’ arrival from French side Lyon in the winter transfer window.

Howe, who was appointed as the Magpies’ boss last November, admitted the Brazilian was among his ‘primary targets’ and described Guimaraes as a ‘hugely exciting talent’ after getting the deal over the line.

Having been forced to bide his time after heading to St James’ Park, the 24-year-old finally made his first start in the 2-1 win over Southampton on Thursday.

Guimaraes certainly made an impact as he netted the winner with an audacious backheel attempt, leading to praise from Howe.

The four-cap Brazil international was also handed a 7.8 match rating by WhoScored, with fellow January arrival Matt Targett being the only player on the pitch to boast a higher figure.

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While Guimaraes well and truly announced his move to the Premier League by scoring an eye-catching goal on his first start for Newcastle, Downie believes the best is yet to come from the defensive midfielder.

The Sky Sports reporter feels Howe will look to make Guimaraes a key player heading into the 2022/23 campaign.

It comes despite the former Lyon man having to be patient after switching to St James’ Park.

Downie told GIVEMESPORT: “I do think we’ll probably see the