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After suffering defeats at the hands of Chelsea, Everton and Tottenham Hotspur, Newcastle United bounced back with four consecutive wins.

This has not only helped the Tyneside club pick up 12 points but has also seen them make their way into the top half of the table.

After struggling in the relegation zone at the start of this year, Newcastle United’s January signings have helped them make quick progress post the winter market. Bruno Guimarães was one of the players to arrive at St James’ Park.

The midfielder has starred for the Magpies in their last four victories, scoring three goals and registering an assist in the process.

Newcastle could have missed out on signing the 24-year-old in the mid-season window. Alexis Malalvolta, the Brazil international’s agent, admitted Juventus wanted his client.

“Yes, there were really some contacts with Juventus. I can confirm that. January is a quick window to enter into negotiations, we couldn’t go too long,” Malalvolta told Tutto Juve.

“We had to wait until halfway through the month to see some concrete movements. And Newcastle arrived, who got serious. Bruno couldn’t wait another six months to decide his future in the World Cup year.”

When it was suggested it was a question of time over money, the representative said: “It’s not really like that. In 2020, in the first window following the pandemic, we asked to see if he could leave.

“Bruno had just arrived at Lyon, Juve were already interested, but the hypothesis of a loan with option to buy was excluded. The former director Juninho told me, stating that the president would sell him only in the face of an offer of €70m. Something very difficult in a world crisis.”

Malalvolta then went on to focus on how his client is enjoying life at Newcastle and in the Premier League.

“I agree, it was a transfer of great impact worldwide. It happened in a transfer window, the winter one, where usually little or nothing happens. He is very happy at Newcastle and is fulfilling his dream of playing in the Premier League,” he explained.

On why he accepted the challenge to join the Magpies: “He has always been very motivated to accept challenges, he never backs down. Bruno is delighted with the choice made; he feels good.

“His goal was clear from the start: to help the team get out of the relegation zone and take them to the Champions League next season. And, why not, try to win the Premier League. He has already made it clear in his interviews that he went to Newcastle to be a legend like Alan Shearer. He wants to leave his name in the history of the club.”