Newcastle trump card evident as star player reference may help to secure big summer signing

Newcastle United may play their trump card, as a reference from Bruno Guimaraes could help them secure the signing of Atletico Madrid ace Renan Lodi.

Newcastle’s rise up the table this season has been mesmerising. When Eddie Howe took charge they were in the relegation places. Five months later, they are in ninth.

The recruitment has been key to their good performances. A lot of the January arrivals have been crucial and £38million signing Guimaraes has been as influential as any.

The Brazilian has bagged four goals and provided one assist in his 13 games for the Magpies.

Newcastle will want to make more top additions like the Brazilian, in the summer. Indeed, they will be keen on cementing their status as a top-half team.

Guimaraes could hold the key to them doing so, too. The attacking-midfielder has elevated the quality of the club, and the rest of the squad have risen to his standard.

He is proof that Newcastle are ready to make the step up, and star players could soon follow him. Guimaraes could be Newcastle’s trump card for one specific signing, though.

Mundo Deportivo reports that his relationship with Atletico Madrid star Lodi could convince him to join the club.

The pair played together in Brazil, with Athletico Paranaese. The report suggests that Lodi sees Guimaraes ‘like a brother’.

As such, he may well want to join his close friend at Newcastle.

The relationship the pair reportedly have could be a good sign for Newcastle. What’s more, the report suggest that Guimaraes has ‘already made’ Lodi see the impact he could have at St James’ Park.

That could be ‘fundamental’ in his decision over whether or not to make such a move.

While swapping Atletico for Newcastle might not seem the most attractive prospect,