Manchester United have stepped up their search for a midfield anchor after holding a private meeting with the representatives of Newcastle United star Bruno Guimaraes. With Casemiro’s departure now confirmed for the end of the season, the Red Devils have identified the Brazil international as the leading candidate to overhaul their engine room.

Newcastle United head coach Eddie Howe has vehemently dismissed reports claiming that Bruno Guimaraes is in "advanced talks" to join Manchester United. Howe expressed visible frustration over the timing of these rumors, as the ninth-placed Magpies fight to secure a European spot for next season.

Manchester United are apparently on the verge of completing a multi-million-pound transfer within the Premier League.

Manchester United, Manchester City and Liverpool, among others, have been told how much it will cost to lure Newcastle's star players away from St. James' Park this summer. A host of key Magpies players have been linked with departures in recent months as Premier League rivals seek to exploit their sub-par season to boost their own respective squads.

Bruno Guimaraes will spend an extended period on the sidelines with injury and could miss many as eight to ten weeks out of action in a huge blow for Newcastle United. The Magpies skipper suffered a hamstring injury during Tuesday's 2-1 win at Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League after recovering from a separate ankle issue, and is now set to spend at least two months out of action in a hammer blow.

Newcastle United captain Bruno Guimaraes lashed out at his team-mates for failing to "compete" against Sunderland, while Eddie Howe issued an apology to fans for his team's 1-0 derby defeat on Sunday. The Magpies have now failed to beat the Black Cats in their last 10 English top-flight meetings, and have dropped into the bottom half of the table.