Shearer fires Guimaraes ultimatum to Newcastle amid Man United advantage

The former Toon striker reckons that much of the coverage linking skipper Bruno Guimaraes with a departure from the club is nonsense and anticipates further rumours between now and the campaign's conclusion.

Both the Brazil international and fellow midfielder Sandro Tonali have been connected with summer moves away from St. James' Park, with Manchester United said to be interested in the pair. The Reds are even now reportedly in advanced talks over a £69m deal for Guimaraes, as they look for a successor to Casemiro.

Michael Carrick's side are currently in third place and among the favourites to secure Champions League football. Newcastle, on the other hand, are currently ninth, seven points behind Liverpool in fifth place.

It's highly likely the Premier League will be given five spots in next season's edition of the Champions League, but Eddie Howe's side are well off the pace.

United have a clear advantage over Newcastle in that regard, and Shearer has warned the Magpies that 'noise' around their key players will only get louder.

Addressing the rumours surrounding Guimaraes, Shearer told Betfair: "Newcastle have to get through the season. They have to somehow get European football, whether that's Europa League or whether that's the Conference League.

"They have to somehow get European football. I guess it's been happening for the last two months. I've seen the reports myself now on Bruno Guimaraes. I also know that a lot of the reports are rubbish.

"If Newcastle don't qualify for European football, then the noise around their top players will only get louder and then it becomes difficult not only to keep your top players, but also then it becomes difficult to bring top players in because top players want European football.

"So that's going to happen more and more between now and the end of the season. If there's any truth in it, I haven't got a clue, but that will happen if Newcastle don't get European football.

"That's the same for most clubs but obviously with Newcastle, that's what happens when you have a little taste of success. If that doesn't continue, then that's when the transfer talk will happen.

FOLLOW OUR MAN UNITED FB PAGE! Latest news and analysis via the MEN’s Manchester United Facebook page

"There's no difference to anyone else. It's the same at Tottenham, it's the same at Man United, it's the same at Villa. Villa will have the same issues as well, there'll be talk about Morgan Rogers."

Guimaraes is presently sidelined with a hamstring problem, although he was spotted in Barcelona during the week observing the Magpies' Champions League loss.

Speaking last year, the Brazilian stated: "I hope to stay much longer. I don't know what the future brings let's see, but I hope to play much more for Newcastle United."