sport news NEWCASTLE NOTEBOOK: PSG are NOT interested in signing Bruno Guimaraes, Toon ... trends now
Paris Saint-Germain do NOT want to sign Bruno Guimaraes this summer.
Notebook was in Paris this week and we have learnt there is surprise among the club’s hierarchy at the frequency and strength of reports linking them with a move for the Newcastle midfielder.
PSG are aware of the £100million release clause in his contract, but sources were emphatic in saying it is not a deal for them.
Indeed, the word in football circles of late is that no club sees value in meeting the clause, and that some of the noise has been generated with a view to creating a market around the player.
Newcastle hope the expiry of the clause on June 30 will put an end to speculation over the Brazilian’s future. However, others believe it could leave the club exposed to lesser offers and potentially unsettle Guimaraes.
PSG chiefs are surprised at reports linking them to Bruno Guimaraes - they're not interested
For all of that, it is Notebook’s expectation that he will be a Newcastle player come next season.
Belgian star on radarNewcastle look increasingly likely to sign Tosin Adarabioyo on a free transfer from Fulham, but we can reveal Belgium defender Zeno Debast is also on their radar.
Recruitment chief Steve Nickson watched the 20-year-old during Belgium’s 2-2 draw with England at Wembley in March, and the home side only equalised late on after Debast was substituted.
The Anderlecht centre-back was very impressive that night and Newcastle like his profile.
Sources in Belgium say he has an agreement that he can leave this summer, and a fee of around £15-20m has been mooted. West Ham and clubs in Italy are interested.
Debast has six caps for his country and is set to be part of their squad at Euro 2024, while he has already appeared 88 times for his club.
He can also operate at right-back.
Anderlecht centre-back Zeno Debast, 20, is on the club's radar and has been scouted by Toon
Newcastle also look increasingly likely to sign Fulham's Tosin Adarabioyo on a free transfer
A Saudi delegation were due at Newcastle’s training ground on Friday as plans gather pace on and off the field.
We understand representatives from the Public Investment Fund paid a visit to the club’s Benton headquarters, along with chief executive Darren Eales. British-based co-owners Amanda Staveley, Mehrdad Ghodoussi and Jamie Reuben are also in town.
Strategic meetings have taken place in recent days and the top brass will be present when Newcastle entertain Brighton in the final home match of the season on Saturday.
One subject discussed would have been plans to expand St James’ Park or move to a new site, and sources insist all options remain open.
More pressing, for now, is the appointment of a new sporting director, and as Notebook reported last week, Crystal Palace chief Dougie Freedman is the leading
