Nico Gonzalez sends clear Man City message amid £45m Newcastle United links

Newcastle United may have identified Nico Gonzalez as a potential replacement for Bruno Guimaraes, but the £45m-rated Manchester City midfielder has already made it clear he is prepared to fight for his future at the Etihad Stadium.

The Spaniard is understood to feature on Newcastle's shortlist as Matthias Jaissle looks to reshape his midfield during the final weeks of the transfer window.

However, Gonzalez insisted earlier this month that he does not want to leave Manchester City and believes the club want him to stay.

Competition in City's midfield is changing significantly following the departures of Rodri and Bernardo Silva to Barcelona.

Elliot Anderson has arrived to strengthen the position, while City are also pursuing highly-rated midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi.

That activity has inevitably raised questions about where Gonzalez fits into the plans.

The midfielder, however, is not currently looking for an exit.

"I'm happy here. I don't want to leave and I think the club wants me to stay," Gonzalez said earlier this month.

He also acknowledged that nobody at a club of City's level can expect a guaranteed starting position, arguing that competition throughout the squad is part of what allows them to challenge for major trophies.

That presents Newcastle with an immediate obstacle if they decide to advance their interest.

Newcastle's priority is finding a midfielder capable of succeeding Guimaraes, and Gonzalez is reportedly one of several options being considered.

The Magpies appear to be looking for someone capable of handling significant responsibility in central midfield rather than simply adding another squad player.

Gonzalez's profile makes him an interesting candidate, but convincing him to abandon his fight for a City place may prove difficult.

His reported £45m valuation would also represent a substantial investment, meaning Newcastle would need to be convinced he is the right player before turning their interest into a serious approach.

With around two weeks remaining in the window, the club's midfield decision is likely to determine what they can subsequently do elsewhere.

Once the Guimaraes succession plan is resolved, Newcastle could turn their attention towards adding greater creativity.

There is reportedly a growing feeling at St James' Park that Jaissle's squad needs another natural creator, either from the No.10 position or out wide.

Nick Woltemade, Yoane Wissa and Joe Willock all operated as a No.10 during pre-season, but none are natural specialists in that role.

Last season also highlighted the issue from wide areas. Harvey Barnes, Anthony Gordon, Jacob Murphy and Anthony Elanga combined for only four Premier League assists, leaving Guimaraes carrying a significant share of the creative burden.

Finding his replacement is therefore only one part of Newcastle's midfield and attacking rebuild.

Newcastle must determine whether Gonzalez's public commitment to Manchester City makes a serious pursuit unrealistic or whether his situation could change before the transfer deadline.

For now, the Spaniard appears ready to compete for his place at the Etihad. That could force Newcastle towards another midfield target before switching their attention to the creative reinforcement Jaissle's squad also appears to need.

Would Nico Gonzalez be the right midfielder to replace Bruno Guimaraes at Newcastle, or should the Magpies look elsewhere? Have your say.