SHAY GIVEN would keep Alexander Isak and sell Bruno Guimaraes to answer Newcastle’s £100million question.
Yet while he knows he might be clutching, the former Toon keeper hopes both superstars are still strutting around St James’ Park next season.
Magpies chiefs have admitted one might have to be sold this summer to balance the books and reinvest elsewhere.
On one hand you have Bruno, the iconic Brazilian midfielder adored by the Toon Army more than any other.
The Samba star is the spiritual leader of Eddie Howe’s side, but a £100m release clause active for one month up to the end of July has Manchester City and Arsenal on red alert.
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Arsenal and a host of other top clubs are monitoring Isak, who is rapidly establishing himself as one of the world’s deadliest marksmen.
And Given, 48, told SunSport: “Bruno has been brilliant but if you had to make a choice, you’d want to keep Isak.
“He’s up there with the best strikers in the world and could play for any club out there, so that’s why there is so much noise. All the big clubs will be looking at him and could chance their arm with cheeky bids to see just how much Newcastle do need to sell him.
“They paid £60million for him and you see other clubs spending similar sums for forwards who are at panic stations when in goal, fluffing their lines.
“It’s the opposite with Isak, everything just slows down around him, and you wouldn’t want to lose someone of that calibre.
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“However, who can afford him now? And if Newcastle sold him for let’s say £120m, they could spend £50m on someone else who might struggle.”
As for Guimaraes, he was left in tears when he saw the giant Brazil-themed banner across the Gallowgate before last week’s 5-1 win over Sheffield United.
He’s recently bought a new house in the North East, and Given hopes that connection with the locals could prove decisive if someone triggers his release clause.
The ex-Republic of Ireland stopper added: “My only hope is that he is so iconic among the fans.
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“I’m maybe clutching with my own black and white hat on but I’d love to build a team around both him and Isak.
“Bruno has got that relationship with the supporters and it’s not for the cameras. The display last week was special and, unless he’s moving to Hollywood to be an actor, his reaction was genuine.
“But it’s a bit like the Jack Grealish situation. He had a £100m release clause with Aston Villa and once that was hit by Man City, it was a done deal.
“If someone hits that number then it will be difficult to keep hold of him.
“I just hope in six months' time that Isak is banging the goals in, Bruno is bossing the midfield and the Saudi owners have backed the club again to add to the team.
“It’s just a shame we’re not talking about who Newcastle are going to buy this summer because of the wealth of the owners.
“Instead we’re talking about who might be sold and that leaves a sour taste in the mouth of fans.”
Newcastle travel to Burnley today as they try and hunt down Manchester United to claim sixth and a Europa League spot.
Howe’s side sit one point behind the Red Devils but also have Chelsea chomping at their heels.
And given their horrendous luck with injuries as they’ve tried to balance the Champions League as well, on top of £55m midfielder Sandro Tonali’s 10-month bet ban, Given reckons sixth would be some achievement.
He said: “They’ve had 11 players out at various times this season. Eddie has had to put kids on the bench just to make up the numbers, which would concern the owners.
“The strength in depth hasn’t been there, so this year shows the squad needs improvement all over the pitch.
“But it would be an amazing season if they get into the top six. They’ve been so unlucky with injuries, I’ve never seen anything quite like it.
“Others will say the same but I really do think Newcastle have had it worse than anyone else.”
Shay Given is a brand ambassador for sports betting platform CopyBet. Visit CopyBet.com.
