Manchester City opted against spending significant funds on a midfielder last summer.

Bruno Guimaraes has said he was never close to joining Manchester City last summer despite the Premier League champions’ interest in the player.

The Blues were keen on Guimaraes early in June but opted against meeting his release clause which expired during the window. In a modest summer, City only decided to spend funds on Savinho - who joined for up to €40m (£33.5m) - while Ilkay Gundogan arrived for free from Barcelona.

City opted against making a move for Guimaraes, who gave mixed messages about his future plans but always reiterated that he was happy to remain at Newcastle United. Speaking in a recent interview, the Brazil international said he took the speculation as a compliment.

“Of course, having Manchester City’s suggestions shows that I am at a high level, but it was nothing more than suggestions,” Guimaraes told Globo Esporte, as per Sports Witness. “I know that Guardiola likes my football, it is normal to have great coaches who admire your football. We have spoken once after the interview. I praised his work, he praised my work, but it was nothing more than that.”

On Newcastle, the midfielder added: “I believe that at my club I am an idol and I have a lot of respect. I am the captain of Newcastle and it is something that if you had asked me three years ago, my biggest dream would have been to play in the Premier League. Playing, being an idol, being captain is something wonderful. I really like Newcastle.”