Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe says new contract talks with Bruno Guimaraes are ongoing.
Toon chiefs are eager to secure the midfielder to a new deal amid claims of offers from Liverpool and Chelsea being rejected last month.
Howe said this morning: Discussions are ongoing. I don't think anything is affecting Bruno; it is done with input from his reps and the football club. He's been very good, very positive.
He has a renewed spring in step. Such a pivotal figure. Catalyst for lot of good football, need him at his best."
Newcastle host Brentford tomorrow and Howe added: "The challenges aren't going to go away. We had tough fixtures through pre-season, and at the start of the season. There are no easy games.
We have to respond. The only disappointment has been Brighton. I haven't lost faith in the group."