Newcastle have Bruno Guimaraes fear as ‘scrap’ with Lyon team-mate comes to light

Striker Wood joins Newcastle

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info

Newcastle could become concerned with the temperament of January signing Bruno Guimaraes after it was revealed the midfielder was involved in a scrap with Jerome Boateng before leaving Lyon last month. Guimaraes moved to St James’ Park after the Magpies shelled out an initial £35million to sign the player.

Newcastle began the season in dismal form as they dropped to the bottom of the Premier League table after failing to win a single game under previous boss Steve Bruce.

Eddie Howe took the helm in November but endured a tough run of results early in his tenure as his side appeared to be staring over the precipice.

But the former Bournemouth manager made five signings in January – and they appear to have made an instant impact.

The north east club are unbeaten in their last four top flight matches and secured back-to-back victories for the first time this season after seeing off Leeds and Everton in the last eight days.

January signings Chris Wood and Kieran Trippier started both of those clashes, while Guimaraes came off the bench against the Toffees after arriving one day before the transfer deadline.

JUST IN: Man Utd chief Richard Arnold agrees with Ralf Rangnick’s choice for next manager

Guimaraes replaced Joe Willock in stoppage time of that encounter but will be hoping to force his way into his side’s starting line-up in the coming weeks.

But alarm bells could already be ringing in the north east after L’Equipe revealed that Guimaraes and Boateng came to blows.

Boateng had apparently become annoyed with the Brazil international and the fight had to be broken up by several people.

Lyon are reportedly set to drop Boateng from their squad this weekend following the incident – but the fracas doesn’t exactly show Guimaraes in a good light either.

DON’T MISS

Four Man Utd players West Ham could accept in Rice swap deal 

Abramovich backs punishment for Chelsea striker Lukaku

Six players Liverpool could axe this year

The exact reasons for the altercation are not known, but Newcastle chiefs will not want their new star to rock the boat at St James’ Park as they battle to avoid the drop to the Championship.

Newcastle are in action against Steven Gerrard’s Aston Villa this afternoon.

Howe has once again named Guimaraes on the bench for the encounter, with Willock and Jonjo Shelvey starting in midfield.

A win for Newcastle would move them four points clear of the relegation places and put them in the driving seat to secure their Premier League survival.

The Magpies travel to West Ham next weekend, before travelling to the capital once again to face Brentford at the end of the month.

And with home clashes with Brighton and Crystal Palace to look forward to next month, Howe will be confident his side can pick up the points they need to beat the drop.

Want the latest Premier League news as we publish it on Express Sport? Join our brand new Facebook group by clicking here

Source: Read Full Article