Newcastle United are believed to be considering a bumper new deal for midfielder Bruno Guimaraes, following the Brazilian's sparkling form for the club so far.
What's the word?
Journalist Fabrizio Romano recently revealed that the Magpies are eyeing an extension for the 24-year-old at present, with the transfer insider writing on Twitter: "Newcastle are planning to offer Bruno Guimarães a new contract very soon, including salary increase as part of the negotiation as many top clubs are monitoring him after super performances."
There have been reports linking the former Lyon man - who arrived at St James' Park on a £40m deal back in January - with a move to La Liga giants Real Madrid in recent months, although sporting director Dan Ashworth has only recently revealed that the northeast side do not intend to sell their prize asset any time soon.
Amid talk of a possible fresh deal for the eight-cap gem, journalist Pete O'Rourke - in an interview with Football FanCast - has suggested it would make sense to secure an extension, with the respected source stating:
"Tying him down to a new contract would be a smart business move by Newcastle and also show that they're willing to reward players for really impressive performances following their arrival at the club.
"I think that's the right model for Newcastle."
Ashworth's best business yet
While it was a notable coup to be able to bring the all-action gem to the club in the first place - amid reported rival interest from Arsenal - it would no doubt be even better business for Ashworth, as well as manager Eddie Howe, were Guimaraes to commit his future to the club, such has been the £45m-rated man's impact to date.
The Rio-born starlet has been truly "magnificent" for the Tynesiders since joining in the winter window, according to club legend Alan Shearer, having quickly cemented himself as a key asset for Howe and co.
The 6-foot sensation has already netted seven goals and provided three assists in just 26 games in all competitions for the club thus far, despite largely playing his trade in a defensive midfield berth, having showcased a willingness to impact proceedings at both ends of the pitch.
That box-to-box style has been evident by his remarkable statistical record of late, with the £120k-per-week machine ranking in the top 1% for tackles made as well as the top 6% for pressures made among those in his position across Europe's big five leagues, illustrating his tireless work ethic in the centre of the park.
In an offensive sense, Guimaraes also ranks in the top 11% for both progressive passes and progressive carries as a marker of his willingness to try and spark attacks from deep, having swiftly shown himself to be a "world-class" asset - according to teammate Dan Burn.
It would no doubt be a real blow were the Magpies to lose such a key figure so soon into his time in England, hence the need to agree an extension, with it likely to prove a difficult task attempting to find a suitable replacement without breaking the bank.
Having been something of a "bargain" at the time of his arrival - in the words of his manager - the club, and Ashworth, could well make another astute business move by agreeing fresh terms with the player in the near future.